ROCHELLE — Sonja L. Byars, 75, passed away Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at Unity Point Health - Mariter Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin.  Sonja was born on June 29, 1948 to William Oscar and Arlene (Englin) Franzene in Rockford, IL.  After 41years, she retired from working at Rochelle Foods.  She was a proud lifetime member of the Rochelle Moose Lodge.

Sonja is survived by two sons: Bret (Tracey) Johnson and Jerritt Boehle both of Rochelle, IL; brother, Ed (Jan) Kissick of Rochelle; four grandchildren: Bailey (Scott) Stevens, Broc Johnson, Denton Johnson and Gabe Boehle; great grandchild, Asher Stevens and one more arriving soon; nieces: Krista (Eric Cech) Kissick, Erica Kissick and Tara (Grant) Manning and several great nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her brother, Dennis Kissick in 1975.

There will be a memorial visitation from 2:00 - 4:00 P.M., Saturday, September 16, 2023 at the Unger-Horner Funeral Home, 400 N. 6th St., Rochelle.   A Celebration of Life gathering will follow the visitation at 5:00 P.M., Saturday at the Rochelle Moose Lodge, 311 N. Main St., Rochelle. Burial will be at a later date at Steward Cemetery in Steward, IL.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Sonja’s memory to Kreider Services or the Rochelle Moose Lodge.  Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.