Donna (Martin) Alexander Sonntag

Donna Martin Alexander Sonntag, 96 years young, returned to her sweetheart Claude, on the morning of one of her favorite holidays, Halloween, Tuesday, October 31, 2017. She was born on May 16, 1921, the second child of John (Jack) Eldredge Martin and Edith Louisa (Babe) Martin. She was raised in Salt Lake City, Utah and also spent 3 teenage years living in Ogden, Utah. Her older sister, Edyth, only lived 20 minutes, so her parents were overjoyed and grateful to have her. She was followed by her brother Jack, just 13 months later and then her brother Bill and her sweet little sister, Evelyn. She was the only surviving sibling and how she missed her brothers and sister. What a marvelous reunion they are having. She met a handsome, shy boy at a Ward dance and he kept buying tickets from her that night, until he got the courage to ask her out. That handsome boy was Claude H. Alexander and she became his wife on November 12, 1943. Their marriage was blessed with 4 children; Tim, Dick, Bruce and Mary Ann. She was blessed with wonderful friendships throughout her life. She had a group of girlfriends from Junior High School, that met every month for 70 years. She loved to play bridge and met every Thursday afternoon with another group of girlfriends through her adult years and into her 80�s. She sang in a trio at Fort Douglas during World War II and cherished the girls she sang with and that experience. Donna lived a life of service to others. She served in numerous church, school and community positions throughout her life. She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints and had a firm testimony of the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. She was thrilled when she and Claude were called to serve a mission in the Liberty Stake in downtown Salt Lake City, a few years before his death. They grew to love all the people of the Liberty Stake. She also served as a Relief Society President at the age of 75. The church calling she most enjoyed was Sister Friendly, when she lived at Three Fountains East in Murray. She just loved the little children. She was a fantastic care taker, Thanksgiving dressing and Christmas pecan roll and fudge maker. Her orange rolls were always a treat, with the dough waiting in the refrigerator in the �Moonshine� Tupperware container. She had a marvelous talent of writing, including many humorous poems written to her family. Her shining moment was writing a roadshow when she lived in the Parley�s 7th Ward. They ended up winning that year and celebrated her achievement by throwing her in the neighborhood swimming pool, following the performance. She took it all in stride. She was an avid bowler and golfer. She could be found bowling every Wednesday night in the winter, and golfing each summer on Tuesday mornings at the Willow Creek Country Club. She enjoyed the many activities and friendships she made there. How she loved sports, whether it was being an active participant, watching the Jazz or the best spectator in the crowd, ringing her cowbell for her boys. Mom always said she if she had a nickel for every ballgame she attended she�d probably be a millionaire. Mom was courageous and always up for a challenge. She returned to college at the age of 62 at the University of Utah following the passing of her sweetheart, Claude in 1983. She loved being with the students. She married Robert R. Sonntag in 1987 and shared 9 wonderful years with him, until his death in 1995. Mom is preceded in death by her parents, siblings, spouses, 3 precious grandsons; all gone way too early; Tyler Rasch, Bryan Alexander and Brett Alexander, 1 sweet great-great grandson, Ian Williams and her precious mini schnauzer Sadie. She is survived by her children: Tim & Sheila Alexander, Dick & Cynthia Alexander, Bruce & Debbie Alexander, and Paul & Mary Ann Christensen. Grandchildren: John & Kaye, Scott & Ted, Becky & Rhett, Lisa, Kim & Josh, Erin & Chris, Ryan & Erica, Gregg & Lacey, Tricia & Brad, Staci, Megan, Jennie & Damien, Alex, Pierce and Jared. Her great-grandchildren: Jenna & Jerome, Jaime & James, Jessica & George, Ashley & Rench, Taylor, Jake, Alex, Jaden, Jessica, Jaxon, Kenny, Mila, Brandon, Phinneas, Ashton, Bentley, McLaren, Cruze, Kaylee, McKenzie, Larissa, Emme, Corbin, Jocelyn, Grant, Lydia, Vivian, Bailee, Burton and another great grandson coming in March. Great-great grandchildren: Andrew, Fayth, Romy, Adria, Sofia, Oliver & Hendrik, and an extended family of Sonntag�s. She loved most a beautiful Autumn day, a Tab or Diet Coke, and breakfast (her favorite meal). We would like to thank the wonderful staff, and friends Mom had in her last few years, living at The Coventry in Cottonwood Heights. A very special thank you to her faithful, loving care givers from Inspiration Hospice; Val, Leslie and Steve. She loved and appreciated your gentle, kind care, right up to the end. A viewing will be held on Sunday, November 5th from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at her former Eastridge Ward, 5235 S Wesley Road, Murray, Utah. Graveside services will be held on Monday, November 6th at 11:00 a.m. at the Farmington City Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest along side her sweetheart Claude. �..well done thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord� Matthew 25.21