Sonya B. Montgomery, 89, formerly of Norton, passed away September 16, 2024, at Village Shalom in Overland Park, KS. She was born June 2, 1935 in Norton, KS to Cale A. and Sarah J. (Mattson) Sleffel.
Sonya grew up on a farm ten miles south of Norton. Her parents instilled in her values of faith in God, hard work, integrity, and service. Although she did not appreciate farm chores growing up, she later recognized the myriad lessons that farm life provided. Those lessons included gratitude, perseverance, and generosity.
Sonya attended a one-room schoolhouse during her elementary school years and continued her secondary education in the Norton Public School system. She was an excellent student and an accomplished musician. Sonya graduated from Norton Community High School in 1952.
Sonya married LeRoy V. Peil on December 21, 1952, in Norton. They lived for a short time in California while LeRoy served in the United States Navy. Upon returning to Norton, they established a home and began a family. They had four children, three of whom survived to adulthood. Sonya and LeRoy divorced in 1980.
A few years later, Sonya married Rex D. Montgomery on November 20, 1982, in Norton. Although they finally settled in Almena, they enjoyed living and working in McPherson, Kansas for several years.
Sonya’s first job, at age fourteen, was at the Norton Theater. In between taking tickets and balancing the cash box at the end of the evening, she occasionally watched a movie. Sonya felt that the free movie viewing was the best job perk ever.
As an adult, Sonya worked as an office manager, a realtor, a property investor, and a newspaper columnist. She worked continuously into her seventies. Sonya strove always to work with excellence, as though working for the Lord.
Sonya was a member of the Kansas Association of Realtors, the Manhattan Christian College Advisory Board, and the Norton Andbe Home Board of Directors. She enjoyed organizing NCHS All School Alumni Reunions, and also contributed to the growth and sustainability of the Haven House in Norton.
Sonya’s hobbies included hand quilting, cross-stitching, and bridge. However, music was her passion. At age nine, she began accompanying the Sunday school music at the Norton Christian Church. She remained an integral part of the church’s music ministry for over seventy years.
Sonya taught piano and played for funerals, weddings, and other special occasions. She spent many years as an accompanist for the Norton Public Schools' music department. She accompanied vocal concerts, and district, regional, and state music festivals and competitions. She passionately supported music in public education.
During her time as a columnist for the Norton Telegram, she wrote, "Laughter and music have been proven to impact our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. May you always have a song in your heart and on your lips."
Sonya certainly instilled the love of music in the hearts of her children and grandchildren just as her mother and father did for her. She proudly accompanied for her children at church services, school events, or any other community engagements. She also had a front-row seat at many of her children’s and grandchildren’s performances.
Sonya’s life was one well lived. She experienced joy, laughter, love, sorrow, and disappointment throughout her earthly journey. But as she reflected in one of her newspaper columns, "All memories are not sweet and happy ones, but the variety is what makes life - life. If we never loved, we would not have pain. If we never had pain, we would not know the joy to love and to be loved. Sort through your memories, and may the joyous ones be the ones you dwell upon each day."
Sonya is survived by her children: Michael L. (Claudia) Peil of Bonita Springs, FL, Alan R. (Lisa Laham) Peil of Wichita, KS, and Fonda L. (Thomas) Telthorst of Kansas City, KS; stepchildren: Monte (Staci) Montgomery of Almena, KS and Jeris (Reuben) Bartel of Meade, KS; 14 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, many cousins who lovingly call her Sonnie, and faithful friends.
Sonya was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, LeRoy Peil and Rex Montgomery; sister Shirley Ricketts; infant son Todd Peil; and granddaughter Jessica (Peil) Claybrook.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am Saturday, October 5, 2024, at the Norton Christian Church. Burial will follow in the Norton Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 5-7:00 pm Friday, October 4, also at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Norton Christian Church or Manhattan Christian College and sent in care of Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home, 215 W. Main St., Norton, KS 67654. Condolences may be left at www.plumergobber.com