Sonnie Michael

COMMERCE, Mo. -- Sandra K. "Sonnie" Michael, 81, of Commerce died Saturday, July 10, 2021, at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau.

She was born March 1, 1940, in Cape Girardeau to Virgil J. and Edna Mae Heuschober Cotner.

Sonnie was baptized in 1940 in the family's home church at Maple Avenue Methodist Church in Cape Girardeau. In her early years she graduated from Cape Girardeau Central High School and in May 1957 worked as a teller and then secretary at First Federal Savings and Loan. Representing Cape in the 1957 Jackson Homecomers queen contest, she made the "Top 10" and was thrilled!

She married the love of her life, Bob Michael, on March 1, 1959, at Maple Church. They moved to Benton, Missouri, and she joined the Benton United Methodist Church (UMC) for 12 years. She worked at the county recorder of deeds office in Benton until their daughters arrived. After moving to their home place in February 1971 in Commerce, she began transferring her membership to the historic St. Paul United Methodist Church. Sonnie served faithfully as secretary of the church from 1978 until her passing. She served in the choir, vacation bible school, as a lay leader and food chairman for many years for funerals and celebrations. She sent cards out for prayer, get well wishes, sympathy, birthdays and holidays for many, particularly those over 75 years old or who were "shut-ins." She visited and shared stories and laughter with anyone who needed to smile.

Sonnie was a member of the Wednesday Club, Benton Town and Country Homemakers, Eastern Star and the United Methodist Women.

She was a woman of faith! Sonnie dedicated her life to helping and loving her family. They were her first priority. She helped "doctor" in person and over the phone, run errands, cook their favorites, send care packages, share their good news, and sympathize with disappointments. She supported them and was proud of them and was always there to listen. She loved greatly... and will always be greatly loved.

Sonnie is survived by her husband, Robert Charles "Bob" Michael Jr.; daughters, Rhonda (Don) Painton and Leslie (Jade Heims) Michael; grandchildren, Michael (Dirk Gottgens) Painton and Marcus (Kathy) Painton; a sister, Donna Jo (Eugene) Hindman; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Virgil J. and Edna Mae Cotner; a daughter, Shauna K. Michael; and multiple aunts and uncles.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at the Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Benton.

Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the chapel with the Rev. Michael Woods officiating. Burial will be in Forest Hills Cemetery in Morley, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to the St. Paul United Methodist Church.