Sonja Vines

Sonja Lynn (nee Borgen) Vines, of Cheyenne, Wyoming went to be with the Lord Saturday, August 21, 2021.

Sonja was born April 23, 1941 in Deer Lodge, Montana and was the beloved daughter of Fred and Floy (nee Caldwell) Borgen.  Sonja was raised by loving parents on a farm in Kalispell, Montana until she graduated with honors from Flathead County High School in 1959.  In high school she was a member of the National Honor Society, elected to Student Council, and was in the Ski Club.  As a young child she developed a passion for the farm and a love for animals which were deeply influenced by her father.  She was always alongside him. Throughout her life, she was always rescuing animals and providing them with a loving home.

After graduating high school, Sonja attended the University of Wyoming studying nursing and business administration.  She was a member of the Phi Gamma Nu Sorority and member and officer of the American Association of University Women.  Sonja graduated in 1966 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Office Administration. While attending the University of Wyoming, she met William H. Vines.  They were married June 1, 1963 at the Presbyterian Church in Kalispell and in 1967 they moved to Wheatland, Wyoming where Sonja devoted her world to raising their four daughters.

Sonja had a love for adventure and culture.   She traveled to many places including Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, South Africa, Egypt, Norway, Canada, England, Jamaica, Costa Rica, Mexico, and domestically.  Her last travel adventure took her to Guatemala on a mission trip with the United Methodist Church of Cheyenne.  She enjoyed windsurfing, scuba diving, music, gardening, dancing and the mountains.  Sonja was also very active in her community where she was the choir director and member of the Wheatland United Church of Christ for many years, president and member of Harmony Music Club, a member and officer of P.E.O. and Junior Civic League, taught piano lessons, and was a lifeguard for the Town of Wheatland Parks and Recreation.  Professionally, Sonja's career in business administration led to occupations with the American Cancer Society and the State of Wyoming.

She is survived by four daughters, Kimberly (Robert) Dickerson, Hillary (Sam) Summers, Jennifer Huckfeldt, and Stephanie Vines; grandson, Cory Huckfeldt; granddaughters, Morgan Dickerson and Chloe Vines; three brothers; and several cousins.

At Sonja's request, there will be no services.  Instead, she asked that memorials be made to the Cheyenne Animal Shelter, 800 Southwest Dr., Cheyenne, WY 82007, Black Dog Animal Rescue, 2407 E. 9th St., Cheyenne, WY 82001, or the Humane Society of the United States, P.O. Box 18382, Washington, DC 20037.

Cremation is under the care of Schrader, Aragon and Jacoby Funeral Home, 2222 Russell Avenue, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001.