Sonja Lea Space

She was born in Ponca City, Oklahoma, to the late Theodore and Helen Kilpatrick. Growing up, Sonja shared her gift of music by playing the piano at Winganon Baptist Church and was also active in Girl Scouts. During her high school years, she was an active member of the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls and was a majorette in the band. She graduated from Chelsea High School in Chelsea, Oklahoma, in 1961 and went on to attend Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, where she earned a Bachelor of Education degree. In August, 1963, she married her high school sweetheart, Roy Space, at First Baptist Church in Chelsea.

Sonja dedicated her career to education as an elementary school teacher spending a few years teaching in Albuquerque, New Mexico and Catoosa, Oklahoma, before spending the majority of her career with Claremore Public Schools in Claremore, Oklahoma. She spent most of her teaching years inspiring fourth-grade students and fostering a lifelong love of learning. For the 1986-1987 school year, she was honored as Claremont Elementary School’s Teacher of the Year. Sonja found great joy in making a difference in the lives of her students, particularly through her passion for teaching reading. She was also an active member of Ocieleta and Delta Kappa Gamma, organizations devoted to supporting educators and promoting excellence in education.

Beyond her professional life, Sonja embraced opportunities to explore the world with her husband and family. Some of her favorite destinations included Zermatt, Switzerland; Salzburg, Austria; and Cinque Terre, Italy. She was an avid reader, enjoyed listening to music—especially Christmas music—and loved baking desserts for family and friends. She delighted in collecting Hallmark Christmas ornaments, watching her grandchildren participate in activities and sports, and creating beautiful cross-stitch artwork. Above all, Sonja treasured time spent with her family, including annual visits to Oklahoma to stay connected with her many beloved relatives and friends.

Sonja is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Roy Space; her daughter, Tamara Smid and husband, Tom; her cherished grandchildren, Eli, Liesel, and Caleb Smid, all of Fort Collins, Colorado; her sister, Raelene Shouse of Pryor, Oklahoma; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and their children.

In addition to her parents, Sonja was preceded in death by her sister, Linda Littleton; her brothers, Herald and Gerald Kilpatrick; and her brothers-in-law, Lester Moore and Lee Shouse.

A memorial service celebrating Sonja’s life will be held on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at Resthaven Memory Gardens Funeral Chapel in Fort Collins, Colorado. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the memorial service at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pathways Hospice, whose compassionate caregivers provided exceptional care and comfort to Sonja during her final days. Donations may be directed to Pathways Hospice, 305 Carpenter Road, Fort Collins, Colorado, or made online at https://crm.bloomerang.co/HostedDonation?ApiKey=pub_1a2b1620-264c-11ee-9007-06d616d7ff43&WidgetId=17183744, where a drop down will allow you to make a donation in memory of Sonja.