Sonja Sipes Skinner

HAMILTON - Sonja Sipes Skinner passed December 1, 2017 surrounded by her family. She was a loved mother, sister, daughter, aunt, grandma and great-grandma.  Sonja was born in Missoula to Burton and Vere "Honey" Sipes January 19, 1938. Sonja attended Paxson Elementary, Washington Middle School, graduating in 1956 from Missoula County High School. On June 2, 1956 she married Robert Skinner, her high school sweetheart. Together they raised 3 children Steve, Sandi and Stacey. During their marriage they enjoyed playing Bridge with friends, boating, ski weekends and family, and they were partners in business jointly running the Hol ‘n One restaurant in Southgate Mall.

Sonja was active in Phi Beta Kappa for many years, a member of Five Valley Accordion Association and Hamilton Eagles Lodge. She loved music, dancing, playing piano, accordion and the banjo.

After she and Robert divorced, she found another love in Bob Murchison. They enjoyed camping, being snowbirds in Arizona, dancing and accordion jams. They made their home in Hamilton, MT, and were together 25 years.

Sonja is survived by her partner Bob Murchison and her 3 children, Steve (Andrea) Skinner, Sandi (Dale) Davey and Stacey Skinner. She had 9 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by Burton Sipes, Vere Sipes and her brother Doug Sipes.

She loved and was loved.

Services will be at Daly-Leach Chapel in Hamilton, MT. January 5, 2018 at 2 pm. Reception to follow at  Hamilton Eagles Lodge. Burial services will be at Plains Cemetery in Plains, MT January 6, 2018 at 1 pm.  Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.