Sonja Romaine (Dawson) Crocker, age 85, of Rosebud, MT passed away on March 26, 2024. She was born on May 19,1938 in Miles City, MT to John (Jack) and Vera (Shand) Dawson. Sonja was raised in the Thurlow area near Rosebud, MT. She attended Rosebud High School graduating in 1955. She furthered her education at Rocky Mountain College and Eastern Montana College.
Sonja met her soulmate and married Denzil Crocker on June 28, 1958. They lived on the Crocker ranch north of Lavina, MT until they bought her family ranch in the Thurlow valley in 1964. They had two children, Jack Ben (1959) and Jody Lynn (1964).
Sonja was active on the ranch and rode and helped work cattle in her younger days. When Denzil passed away in 1993, Jack and Sonja continued to run the ranch. She “pushed the pen” rather than the cattle from this point on.
Sonja was a member of the local, state, and national Cattle Women for more than 50 years. She promoted “eating beef”. She was also a past member of the Forsyth Women’s club, UCI board as well as a 4H leader. She was active in the Federated Church in Forsyth and enjoyed Bible studies. She taught school part time and worked in Extension for 10 years with the 4H program.
Sonja loved gardening and growing roses. She had a huge lawn that kept her busy. She enjoyed decorating and for many years sewed for family members.
She treasured history and was a member of the Rosebud County Museum Board. In her later years, genealogy became a full-time hobby. She wrote short stories which are included in her book “Memories from Mom” and published the book “Romance of the Pioneer Trail” with poems and history of her late great grandfather Corrydon W. Wilson.
She is survived by her son, Jack (Kirsten) of Rosebud, MT and daughter, Jody (Brad) Haidle of Fallon, MT. She had 5 grandchildren, Jesse (Caitlin) Haidle, Ryan (Kaitlin) Haidle, Amanda (Mike) Poucher, Carolee (Bob) Luhman, and Kinsee (Sim) Crocker.
She has 13 great grandchildren. Olivia, Ryland, Harper and Quincy Haidle (Jesse and Caitlin); Declan and Brynn Haidle (Ryan and Kaitlin); Macy and Emmett Poucher (Amanda and Mike); Tate, Connor and Aiden Luhman (Carolee and Bob); and Kyleah Jackson (Kinsee and Sim). Her great granddaughter, Sophia (Kinsee and Sim) proceeded her in death. Special honor to Ruth West, a sister she never had.
Visitation will be held on Monday, April 1, 2024 from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Forsyth. Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 1, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at the Federated Church in Forsyth which is wheelchair accessible. Interment will follow in the Forsyth Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Memorials may be made to the Federated Church, 1180 Cedar Street, Forsyth MT 59327 or Camp Make a Dream, 90 Church Road, Goldcreek, MT 59733.
Service Schedule
Visitation
9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Monday April 1, 2024
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Monday April 1, 2024
Federated Church
1180 Cedar Street
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Service Schedule
Visitation
9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Monday April 1, 2024
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Monday April 1, 2024
Federated Church
1180 Cedar Street
Forsyth, Montana 59327
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Charles DeCock says
Sonja will truly be missed in very many ways. Wonderful lady! Condolences to all her family.
Andy and Donna Mitzkus says
Condolences. Gonna miss her
Troy and Dolly Ferris says
I’m so sorry to hear of Sonja’s passing! I am truly going to miss our visits at Extended Care, and the beautiful smile she had for us every time we would bring our grand-babies in to see Karen. What an amazing individual who will be greatly missed…..but what a lovely legacy she has left behind in her family. We are thinking of all of you and sending our love.
Roxie Davis says
So sad to hear about Sonja. Hugs and prayers to you all
Susan Stabelfeldt says
My condolences to the Crocker family. Lots of memories growing up near you guys.
Vickie and Dave Gunderson says
Sonja and Denzil were such good friends and neighbors to us at Rosebud..we will always treasure those memories. Prayers and hugs to Jody, Jack and their families..love to you all💔💔
Emily Bennett says
Prayers are going out to the family.
Troy and JoDee Hess says
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for all the family.
Rocky and Carol Plympton says
Our hearts and prayers are with all of you 🙏❤. She will always be remembered in this community. Love and hugs to all of you.
John Munsell says
Sonja was a regular at our Friday morning Bible study at Holy Rosary Residential Living. She provided wise statements, and was a delight to have with us. I enjoyed our visits in her room as well……..she certainly had a lifetime of rural experiences and interesting historical events to hold one’s thoughts captives. I will miss her!
Helen Jones says
My deepest sympathies to all of her family. I will remember those specials times when we had kids in school, attended Cattlewomen together and enjoyed a glass of wine . Great memories!
Kyle & Gail Shaw says
Dear Family, What a special lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you.
Cindi Byron says
Our deepest sympathy to Jody Haidle and family. Though I did not know your mother, I know she had to be a wonderful lady.
Kristi Dayle says
Jack, Jody and families,
I adored your Mom. She was such a good friend to our whole family. She always gave me a smile and some advice on life. She will be missed 🙏
Ruth Wenholz West says
My dear “Dear sister I never had”. Truly we have a special bond. We’re not sisters by birth but we knew from the start. God put us together to be sisters by Heart.
Since 4th grade at Carterville, different high schools and colleges. Our marriages to wonderful men as Denzel and Bob became fast friends as well as our children did as we became “Aunts and Uncles” to them to this day.
Out lives have been so connected and bonded together for our love of God. I miss you and thank God for the many years God gave us. I look forward to the day I’ll be able to join the three of you in God’s Kingdom. I’m jealous. But I’m coming soon. Love you with all my heart.
Ruth Wenholz West
Diane M Welbes says
So sorry to hear of Sonjas passing. I always enjoyed visiting with her at activities while I worked at Rosebud School. She will truly be missed. All my love and prayers.
Chick Brogan says
A beautiful lady, inside and out. She was a great example for all to follow. Such a sweet soul. Hugs, prayers and love.
Kimberly Hicks says
Oh grandma not by blood but by heart I miss you so much already. Thank you for all the amazing memories and wise words. Grandma was a beautiful soul for sure
Toy Rolston says
You were an amazing lady and friend Sonja. I will cherish the memories we made together. RIP Sonja. Sending love, thoughts and prayers your way Jack, Jody and families.
Arlen Alice h Miller says
Jody and family , So sorry for your loss , cherish the memories
Brenda Potts says
Condolences to the Crocker family sorry for your loss
Ginger Huckins says
I was sorry to see that Sonja had passed away. May God give you comfort at this time.
Mike and Linda Wyse says
Jack, Jody and families, Sorry for your loss. Sonja will be missed by many. Remember the good times
Lori Beyl Nelson says
Sonja was my second mom. I spent many of nights on the Crocker ranch growing up. I will always remember her kindness and willingness to share her wisdom and love. She will be greatly missed but will live on in wonderful memories. A mother’s love last forever, living on in the hearts and souls of her children and grandchildren. I am sending warm hugs to you.
Brylee Liles says
What a pleasure it was to get to know such a wonderful and talented person. I will forever cherish the stories and memories she shared with me. My heart and prayers go out to her beautiful family. Rest easy Sonja.
Roban Bunting /Andre Philbrick says
We are so sad to hear about Sonie!! One of the last of her Era in Rosebud.She was a part of many fun,lively conversations with the Newell and Andre Philbrick ranch crew!! Definitely one of Andres best friends!! I bet Mom met her at Heavens gate excited to show her around.Prayers for Sonjas family on earth,but know she is in an amazing place God bless you all.You will be together again!
Amber Bunke says
Sending my condolences to the family.
Marcus glenn Belgarde says
sorry for your loss uncle Jack and kinsee and carloee,
I did not know about this but I hope you guys are good. keep the memories close and you are in my thoughts and prayers
Barbara DeCock says
My condolences to Sonja’s family, she was a fantastic lady and friend.
Roxie Dinstel says
When Sonja and I were working together in Extension, I felt like we could move mountains. She was a dear lady and such a friend! My condolences to all of y’all!
Andrea Miller says
Jody and family so sorry for your loss
Harriet Sleaford Jansen says
Sending prayers and love to all of the Crocker Families. I have known Sonja for many years and have done many things with her. She was one of my closest neighbors at Thurlow. Did visit with her in October. Jack if you need anything just ask our family. Jody… will miss your Mom but know where she was going. Will not be able to make funeral Sorry.
Shannon Holmen RN says
I so enjoyed visiting with her in the nursing home. So sorry for her family.
Christine Whitlock Keltner says
Sorry to hear, prayers to you and your.
I enjoyed working with Sonja with SE Cowbelles.
Audrey Haumschild says
My Dear, Sonja . You were such a sweet lady . I will truly miss you. May you be up there telling stories, and pain free. Hugging everyone and holding that baby girl. Till we meet again. Love you.
Glenna Evans says
I am so sorry to hear of Sonja’s passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to Jackie , Jodie and all her family and friends. She has provided me so many good memories and such a good friend to my mom and dad. She will be greatly missed.
Julie Nordstrom says
Loved her and learned a lot from her. But mostly just loved her and our visits.
Gayle Muggli says
Remembering her 4-H years….and more recently playing pinochle with her at Residential Living.
Condolences to all!
Lynn Holland says
Condolences to the Crocker Family. Sorry to hear this. Remember her when I lived
at Cartersville. Nice lady. She will be missed.
Lynn Holland
Peggy & Brian Certain says
Jack and Jody, sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. God’s peace to you and yours. Sincerely,
Darrel Myran says
Jack and Jody,
Your Mom was a treasured friend to us. We’ll remember her fondly. Thank you for including us in the celebration of her life.
Darrel & Sharon Myran
Karson and Marie Kluver says
Crocker Family
Our thoughts ans prayers are with you. We sure enjoyed visits with your Mom.
Ms Leslie Wilson says
With the passing of Sonja, the Wilson family begins to close another Chapter. Thank you so much for your kind support. We loved you so much. Leslie & Sandy Wilson
Dean Thomas Parisian says
How do you say “Sonja” without saying “I miss her”? We were neighbors by chance, friends for life.
What a memorable friend until meeting again.
Dean Parisian
janice shaver says
I always loved seeing Sonja and visiting with this beautiful, interesting and vivacious lady!! She was a wonderful ,strong and sincere woman, dedicated her husband and family! I was sad I wasn’t feeling well and couldn’t attend the day of her memorial. I’ll always remember our conversations and her humor and wittiness! you are blessed with many loving memories you created together!