Billie Jean Sonnenberg

Mrs. Billie Jean Sonnenberg of Modesto, CA, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Thursday, March 23rd, 2023. She was 95 years old.

If you were fortunate enough to know Billie, you know what a fun-loving character she was. She spent her long life laughing and making memories with family and friends near and far. Born January 20th, 1928 in Fort Worth, TX, Billie married the love of her life, Calvin "Joe" Sonnenberg in 1946. Before his death in 1980, they lived in Texas, Kansas, and California and raised three sons.

Billie was known for her love of God and her family, her contagious laugh, and her adventurous spirit. She often told stories of her early years and the treasured friends and family she spent time with. An avid crafter, she kept busy making quilts, cross-stitch projects, greeting cards, and stained glass, amongst many others. She also enjoyed watching baseball, playing golf, camping, fishing, and (in her younger years) riding her motorcycle. A member of Centenary United Methodist Church in Modesto, Billie cherished her time singing in the choir and participating in Spirit Salon women's bible study group.

She is survived by her sister Mary Lynn Mitchell, of Griffin, GA; sons, Randy (Kim) Sonnenberg of Belmont, CA, Terry (Toni) Sonnenberg of Huntsville, AL, and Mike (Kim) Sonnenberg of Modesto, CA; her grandchildren Kevin Sonnenberg of Manteca, CA, Daren (Heather) Sonnenberg of Davis, CA, Amy (Ronnie) Robbins of Modesto, CA, Stephanie (Jimmy) Parker of Huntsville, AL, Eric Sonnenberg of Modesto, CA, Austin (Janelle) Sonnenberg of Owens Cross Roads, AL, and Jon (Lea) Sonnenberg of Modesto, CA; and thirteen great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, March 31st at the Masonic Center of Modesto. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Billie's memory to Bethel Assisted Living and Community Hospice. Her family deeply appreciates the excellent care she received from both organizations.