Sonia Lee Buckles Goldhammer, 72, of Billings, died Thursday, January 13, 2011, from complications of kidney failure at Saint Vincent Healthcare. Her children and grandchildren were by her side and held her as she peacefully went to heaven.
Sonia was born on August 8, 1938 in Poplar, MT, the daughter of Dave and Hazel Buckles. She was the 6th of 7 children raised on the Fort Peck Reservation. During her lifetime she lived in Utah, relocated to Denver, CO and eventually spent the rest of her life in Billings. Sonia was an enrolled member of the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux tribes. She was very proud of her heritage. Her father Dave Buckles Sr., was the tribal Chairman from 1949-1951 and Vice Chairman from 1951-1953. She worked at the Sampsonite Luggage Co., as a teacher’s aide in the Poplar Schools, at a print shop in Billings, and volunteered in her grandson, Taylor’s school. She was blessed with 5 children, 11 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren. Mom focused her life on raising her children and celebrating the important moments in life. She seemed to be the best in a crisis situation, she lived to come to the rescue if a family member or friend was in need, even when her health was failing. She tried to be supportive, even if it was a call or a text to cheer you on. She greatly minimized her physical pain to protect her family from her suffering as long as she possibly could.
Mom’s sense of humor was her best trait. She frequently won prizes for the “joke of the day” on the radio, won tickets to concerts, coming up with creative Halloween costumes and she placed jokes or silly poems in the newsletter at the Assisted Living Facility. She loved to be crafty, and her excitement showed when she got an idea for a new craft project or holiday treat. She spent her free time having cooking show marathons while playing Scrabble, sewing, crocheting, making plastic grid projects, baking, decorating, shopping, and immersing herself in all things “pretty” and “pink”. She also enjoyed beading, making star and patch quilts for her family. There was rarely a ball game, school, or family function that she didn’t attend. Even in her wheelchair, she was an energetic and positive fan, in all sorts of weather. She felt it was so important to acknowledge and support her family’s efforts and achievements. One of her favorite days was to make her “famous” home-baked bread and cinnamon rolls.
Sonia was baptized Presbyterian and mostly attended the Assembly of God Church. She spent many years sewing quilts and clothing for the missionaries and donating to others in need. She was a strong believer in Jesus Christ and her faith was strong even in the end. She fought hard to overcome all the challenges her health gave her. Her biggest happiness and wish was to see all her children and grandchildren grow up and celebrate their life with them.
Sonia is survived by her 5 children, Garrett (Margaret) Big Leggins of Poplar, Roger Dean Big Leggins of Poplar, Den’Ette (Dan) Boyer of Billings, Jay (Michele) Goldhammer of Billings, and Carol (Kyle) of Billings; her 12 grandchildren, Sonya, Brandon (Kristie), Carrie (Cody), Kara (Brian), Marla (Babes), Rhiannon (Harold), Taylor, Cory, Mia, Marcus, Devon, and Quinn; 7 great grandchildren, Dean Big Leggins, Daniel and Christian Vondall, Jazmyn and Margaret Wilson, Butch Pritchard, Gabe, and two unborn great grandsons (who are expected any day); 4 sisters, Alice (Maury) Schmid of California, Ramona Kirn and Davetta (Roger) Marchant of Poplar, and Patricia (Douglas) Walters of Henderson, NV; and many special nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She is preceded in death by her parents, David and Hazel Buckles Sr.; 2 sisters, Mary Etzel and Fannie; and 4 brothers, Dave Jr. “Shunks” , Walter, Earl, and Melvin.
Sonia was a loving mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. She lived simply and had a knack for making any place feel like home. She somehow found the strength to smile through her pain and suffering. Mom/Grandma went to see her Lord with grace and peace. She will be greatly missed every day. We love you so!
A prayer service will be held 7 p.m. Wednesday, January 19 at the Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel in Wolf Point, MT. Her funeral service will be held 10 a.m. Thursday, January 20 at the First Assembly of God Church in Poplar. She will be laid to rest next to her father at the Poplar City Cemetery in Poplar.
“We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord” 2 Corinthians 5:8
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.stevensonandsons.com. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel in Wolf Point has been entrusted with the arrangements.