Sonja Eversole Obituary

Sonja Ann Eversole

Sonja Ann Eversole, 87, Findlay, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, creativity, and quiet devotion to the things she loved. Born in Bluffton, October 29, 1938, Sonja grew up with a deep appreciation for the natural world - a love that would become one of the defining joys of her life. She had an incredible love for all animals. Over the years, she devoted herself to raising a wide variety of animals, including her dogs, miniature ponies, donkeys, llamas, peacocks, and many others. She was always willing to take in newborn animals that needed extra help. She would often bring them into her home to nurture and support them, providing the care they needed to thrive. She kept her bird feeders filled year-round and absolutely loved watching the birds that visited outside her dining room window.

Sonja had a remarkable passion for growing flowers and vegetables, tending her gardens with care and delight each season. She was especially devoted to protecting monarch butterflies, nurturing their habitats, and sharing her knowledge with anyone who showed interest. Her home was a place where beauty grew abundantly in her gardens.

Beyond the garden, Sonja found fulfillment in her many talents. She was an accomplished canner, preserving the harvest she grew. She enjoyed playing the piano and organ, as well as sewing, quilting, and crafting, creating pieces her family will cherish for generations. For many years, she dedicated her time and energy to helping with the children's Christmas program at the church. She would often make costumes and props to help bring the program to life.

Sonja was preceded in death by her husband of 30 years, Ronald Eversole and her parents, Luther and Edith (Crates) Grieser.

She is survived by her beloved children, Jonathan Gillespie (Shellie), Stephen Gillespie, Mark Gillespie (Lisa), and Rebecca Stoltz (Mike). She was a proud grandmother to 17 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren. Sonja is also survived by two stepchildren, Frances K. (Jay) Yount and Phillip A. (Kristen) Eversole, both of Toledo, and numerous stepgrandchildren and stepgreat-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Martin Grieser (Marsha).

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, Jenera. Funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. Thursday, December 18, 2025, at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, where the family will have additional visitation from 10 a.m. Thursday until time of service. Burial will follow at St. Paul Cemetery.

Memorial contribu-tions can be made in memory of Sonja Ann to St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, 9340 Twp Rd 32, Jenera, OH 45841.

CRATES FUNERAL HOME has been entrusted with arrangements.

Online condolences can be expressed to family by visiting coldrencrates.com.