Sonja Lynn Farrand, (Gaga) became one of God’s angels on September 23, 2021 when she passed suddenly at the age of 76. Sonja was born to John and Callie Young on January 8, 1945. She lived a life full of love, joy, and service. Sonja married the love of her life, Bob Farrand on December 16, 1967, they were married 54 years.
Sonja was fiercely ambitious and began working at the age of 10 years old selling greeting cards door to door. At the age of 20, Sonja started her career as a media assistant at a local radio station. She quickly climbed the sales ladder and became Kansas City’s first female sales manager in advertising. Sonja went on to become Senior Vice President of sales for Mediacom before retiring in 2008. Her colleagues knew her as a go-getter who believed in people and building strong relationships. Throughout her career, she served as a mentor to many. After retirement, Sonja devoted her life to being the most incredible wife, mother, daughter, sister, and GaGa.
Sonja had a passion for traveling; she enjoyed traveling the world with Bob, family, and friends. She appreciated all aspects of nature, especially the water, and their peaceful villa on Table Rock Lake. Sonja and Bob kept busy during their day-to-day life with their church, volunteer work, close friends, and ping-pong club. Sonja was a deacon at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church at Hideaway in Galena, MO.
Sonja is survived by her loving husband, Bob Farrand, and her daughters Kim (Kris) Kuehn and Tracy (Troy) Gabel and her siblings Janice Chaney, Susan Mahoney, DeWayne Young, and Sandy Carlson. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, John and Callie Young.
Affectionately known as GaGa, she was adored by her grandchildren, Korbin (Maddie) Kuehn, Kailee Kuehn, Kelsey Kuehn, Griffin Berrigan, Danielle Berrigan, Clayton Gabel, and Kate Gabel.
Sonja is remembered for her generous heart, giving soul, and quick wit. She did everything with grace, class, and lots of sass. She was one of a kind and she will be missed by everyone she touched.
A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, October 6 at the Overland Park Arboretum 8909 W. 179th. St. Overland Park, Ks 66013. This will be an outdoor, socially distanced, open house from 2:00 to 4:30PM with special words from loved ones at 3:30PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Neighbors & Friends of Table Rock Lake, Inc. To designate your donation in Sonja’s memory, please access the link below from a desktop computer.
Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens – Lakeside Amphitheater 8909 W 179th Street Overland Park, KS 66013
Excellent obituary. You girls and Bob did a fine job and one she would be proud of. She was a very loving soul and I definitely will miss her tremendously as I know so many others will also. My older sister Sonja was a confidante and friend as well as being my
Loving Sister. I know she’s gone but never forgotten by me. I loved her more than words can say. I’ll always love you, Your youngest sister Sandy
I am so heart broken to hear about the passing of Sonja. Bob and Sonya were neighbors of ours many years ago. Sending hugs and prayers to the whole family.??????
I love you , Sonja and I’ll never forget our special friendship of 40+ years! ?
You left us much too soon, sweet friend. Our girl walks won’t be the same, and we will miss seeing your beautiful face and spirit in church every Sunday. There will be a brightness gone from all of our lives without you. Bob, you and your family are in our hearts and our prayers. We are so heartbroken.
I am so grateful for knowing this woman, she without a doubt IS my mentor!
There are no words for the pain of losing my sister-friend. I miss her daily and hear her cute laugh. I cannot imagine the pain that the family is feeling. She was one of a kind.