Sondra Griffin Foti

Sondra Griffin Foti entered into rest on October 26 in Hot Springs, Arkansas. She was born to John A. and Betty Griffin in Fort Smith, and was 68 years old. She was preceded in death by her father, John A. Griffin and brother, Stephen Griffin. She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Rick Foti; her daughters, Alex and Hannah; her mother, Betty Griffin; and her grandchildren, Jasmine and Ryan. Other special survivors include; Lee Ladmirault, Shay Corbin, and her loving home health aide, Alyssa Walters. Her Memorial Service will be Wednesday, October 29, 2014, 11:00 AM, at her home church, Goddard United Methodist Church under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home. Her ashes will be placed in the Church columbarium.

The family will greet friends following the service. Sondra’s childhood was spent at Ballman and Fairview Elementary schools, Ramsey Junior High, and Northside High School. She loved all animals as a child, especially her dogs and horses. She graduated from Hendrix College with a degree in Biology, and met her best friend and husband, Rick there. She completed a Master’s degree at Mississippi State College for Women in Speech Pathology, and another Master’s in Business Administration at the University of Arkansas. She enjoyed her time as a Speech Pathologist for the Van Buren School District, and also owned and operated Mushroom Management, a property rental company. Beginning as a child at Fort Smith Little Theatre, and later in college and graduate school, Soni enjoyed all aspects of theatre, from directing to acting, singing, and dancing. Her signature role was Mother Superior in Nunsense. She sang in choir in High School, College, and later at Goddard United Methodist Church. She loved to travel, especially to New York to see Broadway musicals, or sailing away on a cruise ship and relaxing at her lake home at Lake Ouachita. She was known for her willingness to say what she thought about anything, her sometimes sarcastic wit, and her smile that told the story. She had a huge heart and was a caring compassionate person who took care of anyone in need. She loved her family passionately, especially her grandchildren, real and honorary, and her dogs. She especially loved lighting every corner of the house at Christmas time. She was, and always will be, the “Queen of Everything.” We love and miss you, Queenie! Memorials may be sent to: Community Services Clearinghouse, PO Box 1522, Fort Smith, AR 72902-1522, or to: Goddard United Methodist Church, 1922 Dodson Avenue, Fort Smith, AR 72901. Online condolences may be sent to www.edwardsfuneralhome.com