Sonja Page Dodenbier

Sonja, beloved daughter, sister, cousin and friend, passed away on December 3, 2014 after a long and valiant battle with cancer.  Sonja was born August 16, 1961, in Salt Lake City, Utah.  Her parents are Bernardus (Ben) and Maria Dodenbier.   She was raised in Salt Lake and attended Hawthorne Elementary, Southeast Junior High and South High School.  For One School Year she attended junior high school in Apple Valley, California.

After high school, Sonja served an LDS mission in the Netherlands, the country where her parents were born and from which the immigrated. She was successful in bridging the gap between her family members in America and Holland.

After her mission, Sonja attended the University of Utah where she earned a BA degree in anthropology. She worked at the University while attending there.  After graduation, she worked at the University as a computer technician for many years. 

Sonja moved to St. George in 2003 to be closer to her parents.  She has been employed at the City of St. George in the building department since moving to St. George.  In connection with her work, she was recently named employee of the year by the local engineering society. 

On July 23, 2006, she began service as an ordinance worker in the St. George LDS Temple.  She had wonderful experiences while serving there and made some eternal friendships.  Sonja had a strong testimony of the LDS church and had a great love for her savior, Jesus Christ. 

Sonja will be remembered for her positive attitude and her ever-ready smile.  When asked how she felt during her long illness, she always answered with a bright smile “EXCELLENT!”

Sonja is survived by her parents, sister Karen, and many aunts, uncles and cousins.  She is also survived by her second family and lifelong friend Lori Jo, Jay Dee, Jeff and Danielle Hendricks and their children.   The Hendricks children lovingly referred to Sonja as their “Auntie.” She was preceded in death by her Grandparents, her cousin Andy, and her Aunt Marge. 

The family wishes to thank Dr. Joseph Te and Dr. Grace Paradela and their staffs for their care and concern for Sonja.   They also thank the staff of 3 West at Dixie Regional Medical Center for their care and support of Sonja during her last few days.

There will be a visitation on Friday evening, December 5, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Mall Drive LDS Chapel, 259 North Mall Drive, St. George. The funeral will be at the same location on Saturday morning, December 6 at 11 a.m. with an additional visitation from 10 to 10:45 a.m.

There will be services at Memorial Estates on Bengal Road in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, December 9, with a viewing at 10 a.m. followed by a service at 11 a.m.  Burial will follow at Memorial Estates.

All arrangements are under the direction of Heideman Hughes Mortuary, 1037 East 700 South, St. George, Utah.  435-674-5000.