Sonja L. Rodriguez, 69, of Baroda passed away Tuesday, April 12, 2016 at Lakeland Medical Center- St. Joseph.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held 10:30 A.M., Monday, April 18, 2016 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Rd. St. Joseph with Rev. Andy Hannich officiating. Burial to follow at Calvary Cemetery in Benton Harbor. Friends may visit from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. Sunday, April 17, 2016 at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. Those wishing to sign Sonja’s guestbook may do so online at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Sonja was born January 12, 1947 in Benton Harbor, MI to Edward & Maxine (Hartline) Gillenwater. She attended Benton Harbor High School and went on to receive her certificate from Twin City Beauty School. On June 18, 1966 she wed Julian Rodriguez in Benton Harbor. Sonja worked on the assembly line at Heath Company for 18 years and at Bosch for 10 years until she retired. She enjoyed rock music and played the guitar, she played the drums in the band the Fabulous Cougars. Sonja was very artistic and enjoyed painting, drawing and any Do It Yourself Project, taking something old and making it beautiful again. Most of all she loved spending time with her children and grandchildren.
Sonja is survived by her mother Maxine Gillenwater of Coloma, loving husband of 49 years Julian; children Antonio “Tito” Rodriguez of Baroda, Jeff (Tiffany) Rodriguez of Stevensville, Angelina (John) Hamilton of Bridgman, Benny (Janet) Rodriguez of St. Joseph, Tanya (Shane) Green of FL, and Joseph (Kristin) Rodriguez of Baroda; grandchildren Kiri Groth, Marshall Zavoral, Ashley Zavoral, Austin Zavoral, Sammy Rodriguez, Danyelle Hamilton, Cody Hamilton, Jesse Hamilton, Noelle Hamilton, Baylee Rodriguez, Bella Rodriguez, Jaylen Green, Chase Green, Brooklyn Green, Gabby Green, Boston Green and Carter Rodriguez; brother Gary Gillenwater of Coloma and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her father Edward Gillenwater and brothers Sonny Gillenwater and Rob Gillenwater.