Sonja Scarrow

Sonja (Berry) Scarrow, age 76, died at her home in Mankato, Kansas, on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023.

Born on Feb. 17, 1947, Sonja entered this world in the comforting surroundings of her Scandia, Kansas, home to proud parents, Emery and Clara Berry. Her educational journey began at Scandia Grade School for five years, followed by five years in Omaha, Nebraska schools, before proudly graduating from Riley County High School in 1965.

Throughout her formative years and beyond, Sonja exhibited a deep commitment to caregiving and nursing. She embarked on her career by working summers at St. Mary Hospital in high school and continued for an additional two years followed by the Leonardville Nursing Home for three years. Her dedication to the profession led her to enroll in Manhattan Vo-Tech's Vocational Nursing Program, where she successfully graduated in 1970. Sonja's passion for caregiving and her commitment to excellence shone brightly as she passed her LPN State Boards that same year, moved to Mankato, and worked as an LPN at the Jewell County Hospital until 1974.

In the spring of 1971, Sonja's path crossed with Lynn Scarrow, leading to their marriage on Oct. 3, 1971. Mankato became the backdrop for their life together, where they raised their three children, Preston, Justin and Tara. As she embraced her role as a mother, Sonja also spent time behind the wheel of a school bus before rejoining the workforce full-time in 1996 at the Jewell County Hospital. She retired in 2016 after years of dedicated service.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Sonja had a talent for sewing that she cherished throughout her life. Her sewing machine brought to life countless clothes and bags, crafted with love for her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cherished friends. Reading was another cherished pastime, with hardly a day passing without her dedicating at least an hour to the written word. Gardening and nurturing her houseplants added color and vitality to her daily life. Sonja was also a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Sonja was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lynn; her siblings. Dorothy Keener (Rollie), Darrel Berry (Dorothy), Blaine Berry (Wilma), Glenn Berry, and Kay Elkins (Bud); as well as her parents, Emery and Clara.

She is survived by her children Preston, Justin (Jen), and Tara (David Garcia), her adoring grandchildren Ryan (Dakota), Addysin, Caitlynn, Case, Gannon, and Gracelynn; and her great-granddaughter, Kaylee. Her memory will be cherished by her brothers-in-law, Bud Elkins and Don Hamilton; sister-in-law, Sharon Scarrow; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, and special family friends, Jim Keck, Miranda Cagle, Asher Thornbrugh, and Kiersten Morgan.

Her funeral will be held at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mankato, at 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, Visitation will be Friday at Melby Mortuary in Mankato, from 1 to 8 p.m., with family present from 6 to 8 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be given to either the Jewell County Meals on Wheels or the Evangelical Lutheran Church, and may be sent in care of Melby Mortuary, PO Box 384, Mankato, Kansas 66956.

Sonja's legacy is one of unwavering love, dedication and compassion, and she will be fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Melby Mortuary is assisting Sonja's family with these arrangements, http://www.melbymortuary.com