Sonya Pitt

Sonya Marie Pitt, one of ten children of Denmark immigrants Laura (Hald) and Chris Kjeldgaard, was born on April 21, 1939 in Defiance, Iowa. She grew up and attended school in Defiance until the 8th grade, when the family moved to Council Bluffs, Iowa. Sonya graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School in Council Bluffs in 1957 and from the Jennie Edmundson School of Nursing in 1963.

Sonya and Ernest Maynard Pitt were married on January 5, 1964 at St. Paul Episcopal Church in Council Bluffs. They made their home in Norfolk, Nebraska before moving to Honolulu, Hawaii where Ernest was stationed in the Navy. Following the service, the couple returned to Council Bluffs. In 1979, the family moved to a farm near Nixa, Missouri, in the Springfield area.

Sonya loved to travel. She and Ernest visited destinations in Europe, South America, and across the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii. Her greatest love was her family and friends, and Sonya treasured the moments she shared with them.

Sonya had recently retired after a dedicated career in nursing. She and Ernest were visiting family in Iowa when Sonya passed away unexpectedly on December 13, 2010 at Mercy Hospital in Council Bluffs at the age of 71 years, 7 months, and 22 days. She was preceded in death by her parents and infant son Chad.

Sonya is survived by her loving husband of 46 years, Ernest Pitt of Nixa, MO; daughters, Starla Fredrickson and husband Don of Glenwood, IA, and Stacy Gray and husband Mike of Chestnutridge, MO, son Eric Pitt of St. Louis, MO; sisters, Betty Rongish and husband Ernie of Council Bluffs, Joan Mollohan and husband Bill of Aurora, IL; brother Howard Kjeldgaard and wife Mary of Treynor, IA; seven grandchildren; other relatives and many friends.

Sonya's kindness and strength will be greatly missed by the many relatives and friends who knew her.