Wilma Sonderman

Billie was born in Gallipolis Ohio on January 23, 1927 to Kenneth and Viola (Small) Withers. She graduated from Gallia Academy High School and attended Ohio State and Bowling Green State Universities. While at Ohio State, she met her beloved husband of 52 years, Joseph Leo Sonderman. Billie always said that Joe was all she got out of her freshman geometry class!

She joyfully raised seven children, instilling in them her life-long love for the arts, especially classical music and reading. Her dinner table was always a place for lively discussion! She had high expectations of her children, encouraging them to pursue their dreams. She and Joe hosted numerous exchange students from Ecuador, France, Germany, Sweden, and Japan. She warmly welcomed her children's spouses and friends into her extended family.

Billie was the life of every party and she loved to dance. Her flamboyant dress and personality drew people to her. She was an ardent social justice Democrat who never feared voicing her opinion. While living in Iowa in the mid-70's she was active in the Grundy County Democrats Central Committee and worked with the Grundy County Area Agency on Aging.

After moving back to Columbus in 1982, Billie and Joe reconnected with their old friend Msgr. Francis X. Schweitzer and became active supporters of Holy Family Church and its soup kitchen. She was a devoted member of St. Matthias Parish. Billy performed with the Grandparents Living Theater Troupe (now SRO Theatre Company) and enjoyed touring with them in Germany to present "I Was Young…Now I'm Wonderful!"

Billie was predeceased by her parents and husband. She is survived by her children, Joseph L. (Marilyn), Donald G., Andrew J. (Micheal), Paul B. (Susan), Cynthia E. (James) Hoffmann, Michele S. (J. Lance) Johnson and Nathan D.; grandchildren, Joseph (Sarah), Benjamin, Steven, Amelia and Byron Sonderman, Kristen (Daniel) Johnson, Emily (Derek) Smith, Melanie (Brian) Bucher, Nicholas (Shanon) Hoffmann, Rebecca (Kevin) Noun, and Jennifer (Benjamin) Houtekier as well as numerous great grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Wednesday, July 26, at St. Matthew the Apostle Church, 807 Havens Corner Road, Gahanna, Ohio (Father Ted Sill, Celebrant). The family will welcome friends at the Church from 9:45 am to 10:45 am preceding Mass. Private burial at St. Joseph Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a memorial gift to Holy Family Church, 584 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215, designated to support the Holy Family Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry Ministry; or to St. Matthias Church, 1582 Ferris Road, Columbus, Ohio 43224.