Sonja Renee Strecker

Sonja Renee Strecker, 44, of Hesston, Kansas, passed away on September 17, 2025, at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, surrounded by her family and loved ones. Born on April 27, 1981, in Newton, Kansas, Sonja was a joyful presence whose laughter, warmth, and deep love for others touched countless lives.

She is preceded in death by her beloved mother, Diana Strecker (Hunter); her brother, Chuck Laing; her maternal grandparents and her paternal grandparents. She is survived by her father, Doug Strecker, and stepmother Marsha Strecker, of Hesston; her brothers Chris Strecker (Jeri) of Newton and Yancy Strecker (Julie) of Wichita; her step-siblings Brian Baker, Matt Jarrell, and Mindy Anduss Chambrelli; her nieces Amber Koehn, April Crabtree, Autumn Strecker, and Claire Strecker; her nephews Christopher Strecker and Gabriel Strecker; as well as numerous great-nieces and great-nephews. She is also survived by her significant other, Justin Ingram, of Hesston, who remained a loving presence in her life.

Sonja was the embodiment of joy and wholeheartedness. She loved her family and friends fiercely, loved Jesus, and had a laugh that could light up an entire room- loud, full-body, and completely contagious. To know Sonja was to hear her laughter, to feel her sparkle, and to witness her zest for life.

She delighted in life’s little joys: pickles, baking cupcakes, reading, listening to music, and spending time with those she loved. She adored anything girly, glittery, or sparkly- especially jewelry and makeup- and approached the world with the same brightness. Spending time with her nieces and nephews was one of her greatest joys, and she loved them with her whole heart.

Sonja graduated from Hesston High School and later graduated from CFN (Christ For the Nations) in Dallas, where her faith and passion for connection continued to grow, and she also made some life-long friends.

On Friday, September 26, 2025 at 10:00am a visitation will take place with Celebration of Life following at 11:00am. Both will be at Petersen Funeral Home in Newton, Ks.

Sonja’s light was radiant and unforgettable, and her memory will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.