Sonia "Sunny" Jane Church

Sonia "Sunny" Jane Church, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 10, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, service, and lifelong dedication to others.

Born in York, Pennsylvania on December 15, 1940, to Robert Shutter and Eva Horn, Sunny's life was marked by an enduring spirit of commitment and compassion. A proud graduate of Millersville State Teachers College (now known as Millersville University of Pennsylvania), she went on to answer her country's call, joining the United States Marine Corps in 1962. During her four years of honorable service, she rose to the rank of Captain. Later, she blazed trails as the first female commander of American Legion Post 593 in Prunedale, California.

Sunny's journey of service continued beyond the military. She earned a Master's degree in Library Science from the University of Pittsburgh and embarked on a fulfilling career as a children's librarian. Her leadership and vision touched communities in California, Ohio, Nevada, and Kansas, where she served as district manager and department head for multiple city and county library systems. Her passion for literacy and learning inspired generations of children to read, imagine, and explore the world.

Sunny was deeply devoted to her family. She shared 37 beautiful years of marriage with Ernest Layton Church, who preceded her in death in 2003. Together, they raised two children who were the pride of her life, Robert Bruce Church (wife Sherry), and Jennifer Grace Church-Duran (partner Peter). Her love encompassed her grandchildren-Meghan Welsch, Kaden Church (wife Star), and Phillip Rodrguez (fiancé Taylor)-and her cherished great-grandchildren: Hannah Welsch, Anthony Welsh, Breydon Welsch, Margaret "Maggie" Hawkins-Church, Brooklyn Bland, Amelia Rodriguez, and Teagan Tidwell. She also held a special place in her heart for her beloved sisters, Jean Reuter and Faye Shutter-Cieslinski (who preceded her in death in 2020).

Sunny's life was a testament to quiet strength, unconditional love, and tireless generosity. She gave without question and loved without limits. Her spirit, wisdom, and gentle presence will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her.

She leaves behind not only a grieving family, but a community enriched by her presence and example. Her legacy lives on in every child who discovered the joy of reading, every family member she nurtured, and every life she touched with her enduring kindness and resilience.

Semper Fidelis, Sunny. You will always be remembered.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in Sunny's name to the Children's Literacy Initiative at https://cli.org/