Sonja Ann Burket

Sonja Ann Burket, formerly of Martinsburg, went home to be with the Lord early in the morning of Jan. 11, 2024, at her home in Auburndale, Fla., surrounded by family, following an extended breast cancer illness.

She was born Feb. 28, 1943, in Roaring Spring, the daughter of the late Fred T. “Chock” Shoenfelt, Sr., and Verna Irene “Bun” (Glass) Shoenfelt.

She is survived by three sisters: Jen (Don) Yingling, Nan (Dana) Meck and Cindy (Jim) May.

She was preceded in death by three brothers: Joe, Fred Jr. and Frank.

Sonja is also survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Gerald Burket, whom she married May 9, 1962, at the Leamersville Church of the Brethren.

They raised three children together: Doug Burket (Roberta Serpe) of McHenry, Ill., Dana (Tom) McDermott of Carnegie, and Darin (Cindy) Burket of Spartanburg, S.C. She was a cherished “Gram Sonja” to many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and countless nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and family — by blood and by heart — she welcomed into her home through the years.

Sonja was a graduate of Central High School Class of 1961. Much of her life work was spent as a homemaker and a partner in the family dairy farm, along with her husband’s feed consultant businesses. She was also an active member of the Memorial Church of the Brethren in Martinsburg, where she devoted many hours of service as a deacon, secretary, Sunday school teacher and more.

Sonja enjoyed spending time with her family, playing cards and traveling. She will be remembered for her warm smile, her world-class hugs and her unwavering love for family and friends, old and new, who will miss her deeply.

A private memorial service will be held for the family at a future date.

Donations may be made to the Memorial Church of the Brethren Deacons’ Assistance Fund.