Sonya Stafford

Obituary of Sonya Faye Meade Stafford Sonya Faye Meade Stafford was born January 7, 1936 in Wausau, WI to Phillip and Della (Hettinga) Meade. She passed away on October 24 in Fairfield IA. On March 13, 1954 she married Harry E. Stafford in Tucson, AZ. Sonya was a charter member and first president of the Harvard, IL Jaycee-ettes, president of the parent/teacher association, Matron of Eastern Star for which she received her 50-year pin in 2007 and Assistant Director of the Harvard Rainbow Girls. Sonya taught Sunday School at the First Presbyterian Church in Harvard where she was a 50+ year member, on the board of Deacons and served as Clerk of Session. She was a campfire leader, branch chairperson for the American Diabetes Association and a member of the American Legion Auxiliary. Sonya served on the Harvard Hospital Board, Harvard Greater Historical Society and the Harvard Library Board. After moving to Fairfield with Harry in 2009, she became a member of Chapter X P.E.O., Gamma Circle at the Presbyterian Church, Jefferson County Hospital Auxiliary, and Fairfield Women's Club. Along with Harry, Sonya was co-owner of Stafford Shoes for 30 years. Upon closing the store in 1985, Sonya went to work as dispatcher for Harvard Police, Fire and Rescue as well as crossing guard for the school district. She served as an election judge and sat on the Board of Directors for the Mary D Ayer Apartments, was receptionist and water billing clerk for the City of Harvard. After retiring with Harry in 1994, Sonya enjoyed playing cards, crocheting, reading, traveling and spending time with grand and great grand children. They moved to Fairfield, IA, in 2009 where she joined the First Presbyterian Church and served on the Session and was acting Clerk for a short time. She was a member of Chapter OO P.E.O., Gamma Circle at the Presbyterian Church, Jefferson County Hospital Auxiliary, and Fairfield Women's Club. She is survived by her daughters, LeAnne (Jim) Edgeton of Fairfield, IA and Sally (Paul) Anderson of Houston, TX; eight grandchildren – Karin (Brendon) Edmiston, Kim (Cory) Hubbard, Kristin (Cole) Smith all of Houston, TX, Ryan Stafford, Joe Stafford, and Marissa Stafford, all of Chicago, Jim (Adena) Edgeton of Pella, IA, and Jon (Caroline) Edgeton of Des Moines, IA. Sonya has 12 great grand children. She is also survived by three aunts, many cousins and her brothers Jerry (Mariann) Meade and Phil (Linda) Meade, both of Tucson, AZ, and Arthur (Sandy) Petersen of Tri Cities, WA. Sonya was preceded in death by her husband Harry in 2012, mother in 2007, father in 1979, infant daughter in 1960, brother Wesley in 1960 and son Jeff in 2007. Services will be at First Presbyterian Church, Fairfield, IA at 10:00 am Friday, October 30,2015 with a luncheon following. Graveside services will be in the stone chapel at Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Harvard, IL at 10:30, Saturday, October 31, 2015 with a luncheon following at First Presbyterian Church in Harvard. In lieu of flowers, donations can be given to First Presbyterian Church of either Harvard, IL or Fairfield, IA, to Washington County Hospice, or mailed to LeAnne Edgeton 900 Grand Park Dr. Fairfield IA 52556.