Sonja Mathilda Washburn

Sonja Mathilda Washburn of Grants Pass, Oregon died Tuesday evening, September 25th at her home at the age of 87. A Celebration of Life will be at her home following the services. Sonja was born June 21, 1925 to Gurli and Hugo Sward in Charlevoix, Michigan and was raised in Glendale, California. After graduating from Glendale High she married Arthur Vernon Washburn in 1945 whom she had known since grammar school. He had just gotten home from the army after serving in World War II. They made their home in North Hollywood, California and raised 4 children. She worked for Bob's Big Boy Drive-in and then worked for Capital Records in Hollywood and retired from Dynamic Engineering as an inspector for small airplane parts. They moved to Grants Pass, Oregon and bought a ranch in Wilderville where they raised cows and horses. Sonja owned a race horse and loved the races. Sonja's children and families also lived on the ranch. She loved canning from her garden, playing pinochle, doing puzzles and loved playing the piano. They sold the ranch in 1978 and moved to Merlin, Oregon where from there on she loved cooking and spending time with all of her children and grandchildren. Her most favorite time of year was Christmas. Sonja's surviving children are Lynnaya Fleming and Eric Washburn of Grants Pass and Chris Washburn of Hermiston, Oregon; 7 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Her brother Vern, husband Arthur and son Verner all died before her.

Service Information

Tuesday, October 2nd, 2012 1:00pm, Eagle Point National Cemetery

Interment Details

Eagle Point National Cemetery