Murlene Prince Sonnenberg

Murlene P. Sonnenberg, age 90, passed away peacefully at her home in Panaca on February 10, 2026.

Our sweet mom was born on October 2, 1935, in Pioche to Leslie Hyrum Prince and Murdell Prince. She was raised in La Verkin and graduated from Hurricane High School.

After high school, Murlene worked at the Dixie Café in St. George. It was there that she met Dean Ray Sonnenberg, a Wisconsin farm boy serving at Nellis Air Force Base. Their love story began simply and grew into a lifetime of devotion. They were married on March 5, 1955, in Las Vegas and were later sealed for time and all eternity on June 29, 1962, in the St. George Utah Temple.

Murlene and Dean began their married life in Las Vegas, where she faithfully served in many church callings, including helping build the scouting program and serving in the stake Primary presidency. Her testimony of Jesus Christ was unwavering, and she made sure her children were raised with a strong foundation of faith. Church and family were always at the center of her life.

In 1969, they chose to leave Las Vegas and return to the small, close-knit community of Panaca to raise their family. There, Murlene continued her devoted service in the Panaca Ward as a scouting leader, Primary President, and worker in the Family History Center. She had a deep love for genealogy, family history, and temple service. While researching her own records, she discovered that her birth certificate spelled her name “Murlene” rather than “Merlene,” a small but meaningful detail she treasured.

Murlene loved her husband, children, and extended family with her whole heart. She welcomed others into her home freely and generously, always ready to help anyone in need. She created a home filled with warmth, laughter, faith, and cherished memories.

She found joy in gardening, raising both vegetables and beautiful flowers. She loved trips to the mountains and treasured walks along the beach collecting seashells with her sweetheart. She was known throughout the community for her kindness, her positive outlook, and her genuine love for others.

She taught her children how to work hard and be self-sufficient, how to garden, cook, bottle food, bake bread, and care for a home. She taught them to serve diligently, to treat others as they would want to be treated, and most importantly, to love their Savior.

Murlene is survived by her children: Loretta Sonnenberg, Dennis and Amy Sonnenberg, Shonna and Paul Donohue, Lorie and Scott Lakey, Kaylyn Sonnenberg, Kathyleen Edwards; 9 grandchildren and 41 great-grandchildren; Her siblings, Richard Prince and Nola Croppi.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dean Ray Sonnenberg, and her granddaughter, Jennifer Sonnenberg.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 11:00 am at the Panaca Chapel. A closed casket viewing will be held from 9:30 am – 10:30 am. Interment will follow at Pioche Public Cemetery in Pioche, Nevada under the direction of Southern Nevada Mortuary. To view a livestream of the funeral service and send online condolences, please visit www.southernnevadamortuary.com.