Sonja Karen Spannring

1941 - 2025

Sonja Karen (Harris) Spannring, 84, passed away peacefully on September 3, 2025. Born on August 7, 1941, in Livingston, MT, Sonja spent her life dedicated to finding new and unique ways to be a friend, a mother, and wife. Her greatest joy was found in her sewing room, where she creatively expressed herself through her gift of craftmaking, as well as her profound love she held for the cats she had throughout her life. Sonja is preceded in death by her former husband Thomas Spannring, her son Curtis Spannring, older brother William George "Bill" Harris, and older sister Kathleen Anna Harris Leathers.

The third of six children born to Dr. William E. S. "Doc" and Orris Kvarme Harris, Sonja was a force to be reckoned with at an early age. Although she had a very big and giving heart, sometimes her ability to cope with the challenges of life was far from perfect. She graduated from Park Senior High School in 1959. After high school, Sonja attended the University of Montana and was a proud Kappa Kappa Gamma sister. She graduated in March 1963, earning her Bachelor of Science in Home Economics. Of course, Sonja being Sonja and not waiting to be out of school, she married her high school sweetheart, Tom, on January 5, 1963. Although they divorced in 1999, Tom and Sonja remained a couple for many years thereafter.

Sonja's interests included bowling, sewing/crafts, neurotically pulling her hair, and enjoyed volunteering and visiting residents at Livingston Convalescent Home. She was also a member of the Livingston American Lutheran Church. Her career path included the Livingston School District working in the Park Senior High School library and serving as an accomplished elected official, County Superintendent of Schools, from 1980 through 1984. She chose early retirement, at which point she and Tom would enjoy traveling south to escape the harsh Montana winters.

The following are shared memories of Sonja from her three surviving brothers:

"Sonja always had issues with her dentures, and therefore, didn't wear them often. Debi and I had the pleasure of attending Christi's wedding in Seattle, and it was the first time Debi and I had seen Sonja with her teeth. Sonja was sitting at our table when the Best Man gave his speech, and he said something very funny. Sonja laughed, her teeth fell out of her mouth, and she promptly put them in her purse - never to be seen again that day." ~Younger brother Stan Harris

"I remember that Sonja had a rebellious spirit growing up and constantly challenged the household rules. She threatened running away from it all and finally did it, but her Studebaker Lark broke down in Butte. My next older brother Stan and I were recruited to take our 2-ton cattle truck to pick the car up and bring it home. We were able to ask the help of a service station to use their car lift to load the car. We made it home and Dad had the car repaired! Sonja was a very artsy crafty person and would always make practical and thoughtful handmade gifts." ~Next younger brother Greg Harris

"I recall that several people over the years verified that Sonja took me to one of my first Saturday Matinees. It turned out to be an exciting time. The cinema showing was the classic "The Wizard of Oz". We sat close to the screen for a great view. As many of you know I am impressionable and a very sensitive individual. It turned out not to be a good idea. When the Wicked Witch of the West appeared, I went completely ballistic. It didn't take long for the Lewis's, who were the owners, to remove us from the theater." ~Youngest brother Kent Harris

In spite of her unpredictable personality, Sonja could be a joy to be around, was loved by many, and will be missed. She is survived by three younger brothers Stan Harris, M.D., Greg Harris, and Kent Harris, her oldest son and daughter, Craig Spannring and Christi Spannring Shaw, three grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Sonja's life will be held in Spring 2026.