Sonia Jarrett

On Friday, October 5, 2018, Sonia Jarrett departed this earth to join the choirs of angels. She spent her final days supported by Hospice care and surrounded by loved ones who held vigil for her transition out of this life.

Sonia Marlys Land was born on March 14, 1938, in Northwood, North Dakota, the daughter of Mabel J. Land and S. E. Land. She attended Belmont Grade School and Grand Forks Central High School, where she met her sweetheart, Jim Jarrett. They were married in 1959 at Grand Forks United Lutheran Church, Sonia’s childhood church where she was confirmed and where she began her lifelong love of singing with the church choir.

Sonia graduated from the University of North Dakota with a bachelor's of science in home economics and a minor in education, and she was an active member of the Delta Gamma sorority. She worked as a teacher in Minnesota, New York, Washington, Texas, and Wisconsin. In July 1971, she and Jim laid down roots in Missoula.

Sonia’s quiet dignity and character left a profound impact on her community. Her leadership roles included President of Home Economics at UND, President of Lewis and Clark PTA, President of Chapter H PEO, and member of St. Paul Lutheran Church Council.

Sonia was well known for her songbird soul. Her contributions to the musical community include serving as President of the Missoula Symphony Association, member of St. Paul Lutheran Church Organ Committee, member of St. Paul Lutheran Church Choir, and member of the Missoula Symphony Chorale. Those who loved her and sang with her can still close their eyes and hear her shining soprano.

Sonia was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in November 2006. As beautifully stated by one of the caretakers who grew close to the family, and who bore witness the immense challenges and tremendous grace of these last few years, we “love thinking about her now having a restored body and mind.”

Sonia is survived by Dr. James E. Jarrett, her beloved husband of 59 years, as well as her daughters Julia Grover [Rick Grover] and Beth Jarrett [Angela Gibson], and her son Dr. Glenn Jarrett [Peggy Jarrett]. Her legacy includes eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, along with an abundance of friends and family whom Sonia held dear.

A memorial service will be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church on Saturday, October 13, 2018, at 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to contribute to one of the following organizations, all special to Sonia:

Missoula Symphony Association

Alzheimer’s Association

Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp

St. Paul Lutheran Church