Obituary of Sonja Garthe McGettrick

Sonja Garthe McGettrick, age 82, passed away October 21, 2019 after a series of health issues. Sonja would not want you to be sad though. Like a Madeline Engelbreit watch she wore said, "Snap out of it." She would want you to think about her and let that thought put a smile on your face. Through it all, she never lost the beautiful smile that warmed our hearts so many times. Sonja would want you to go out and plant flowers, pick vegetables from your garden, make canned pickles or strawberry freezer jam, or visit someone in a nursing home. She would want you to have lunch with a friend you've been meaning to reach out to, simply take a nice drive, or read a good book. Life is too short not to do what you enjoy and spend time with people you care about. We can be sure that as an interior designer, Sonja is already redecorating parts of Heaven, knitting an afghan for someone, or doing an intricate cross-stitch where the back looks almost as good as the front. She was a talented lady with an infectious laugh who loved having fun! Sonja was born in Dayton, Ohio on August 7, 1937. She spent the last two and a half years of her life in Midland, but she called Traverse City and Leelanau County home. She graduated from Traverse City Central High in 1955 and was a proud Spartan after attending Michigan State University. Groups like Friendly Garden Club, Ikebana and her bridge club (aka "The Beaverettes") were a huge part of Sonja's life and brought her great joy. Her parents, Paul and Evelyn Garthe, and her sister and brother-in-law Bill and Beverly McCort, were waiting for her with open arms. Her husband of 47 years, John, whom she married six weeks after a blind date; daughters, Amy Hutchinson and Jill (Rick) Banghoff; grandchildren, John and Katie Banghoff; dear friend, Carol Neff will miss her terribly but celebrate all that she was and the difference she made in their lives. She also leaves John's daughter, Julie (John) Lucic and son, John, and several nieces and a nephew, who will always fondly remember times with "Aunt Soni," and an incredible team of caregivers in Cindy, Jennifer, Naomi and Pat. Following a private graveside service at the Solon Township Cemetery in Cedar, her family will host a Celebration of Life gathering, Sunday, November 3, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. at the Park Place Hotel in Traverse City. Sonja loved getting together with family and friends, so we hope you will join us. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to MidMichigan Homecare - Hospice, the Alzheimer's Association, or the Arthritis Foundation. To sign online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com