Sondra Jean Burnett, age 88, passed away on August 9, 2024, in Sedro-Woolley, Washington.  She was born May 12, 1936, to Harry and Amanda (Forshee) Van Laningham in Mason City, Iowa.  After the death of her father, Sondra was adopted by her stepdad, Jesse Daniels.

Sondra is survived by her husband, Robert A. Burnett; sister, Gloria Peterson; children, Robert S. (April) Burnett and Mandy (Dave) Nelson; grandchildren, Brandon, Eric & Danielle Burnett, Destiny (Travis) Lons, Ashley (Zach) Bell, Dustin Lisherness, Chelsey (Mike) Olsen, Kylene & Nicole Nelson; 18 great grandchildren, Chayce Burnett-Anderson, Payton Mata, Ezekiel Bell, Kyler Burnett, Azaleah Bell, Kalina Burnett, Izaiah & Izaak Bell, Eli Lons, Zachariah Bell, Ava & Logan Lons, Kyla & Addison Lisherness, Andrew & Harvey Olsen, Elijah & Theodore Nelson-Holland and many close nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; infant son, William; brother, Raymond Daniels; sisters, Judy (Gene) Stevens and Gayle Daniels-Mauer.

Sondra married Robert (Bob) Burnett on February 9, 1956, at Saint James Episcopal Church in Sedro-Woolley.  The couple enjoyed music and were beautiful to watch while dancing as partners.  They were devoted to each other in marriage for 68 years.

In 1958, Sondra gave birth to twin boys, Robert and William, but suffered the loss of infant son, William, days later.  In 1960 Bob and Sondra adopted their daughter, Mandy Jean.  In the early 60’s they became foster parents for a young boy needing temporary care & support.  They continued a strong relationship with him into his successful transition into adulthood.  Around 1974, they welcomed dear friend, Chet Griffith into their home and family to enable him to graduate from SWHS when circumstances caused his Mom & Dad to move.  Chet has continued his relationship with the Burnetts throughout his flourishing adulthood and is now, himself, happily married and enjoying retirement.

She and Bob welcomed their children, grandchildren and great grandkids into their home providing a family home and stable mentorship as necessary.  Never did she waiver from her support of a family member or a friend in need.

Sondra and Bob provided their children and grandchildren the opportunity to practice any athletic, musical, or extracurricular activity they wanted to pursue.  She was a staunch supporter and fan of anything they chose to do and didn’t miss attendance of any activity whether it be a school function, game, wrestling match/tournament, horse show, fair, motocross race or concert at home or away.

Sondra was a beautician who owned/operated Style High Salon on South Metcalf Street, Sedro-Woolley, during the 60’s into the mid 1970’s where she made lifelong friendships and hosted some very talented stylists, then she had an in-home salon until her retirement.  She was a long-standing member of the Riverside Health Club and was the first to show up most every morning.

Sondra & Bob were long running – maybe original, Seahawk season ticket holders and avid fans.  Once the new stadium was built, Sondra chose to host her own neighborhood “tailgate parties” and watch games from home with family and friends.  Sondra enjoyed hosting cocktail hour parties, listening to music, providing and preparing appetizers and visiting with neighbors and friends.

Sondra was very phone friendly and enjoyed just ringing people up any time for whatever reason just as they crossed her mind.

After retiring, Sondra kept the road hot between their home in Sedro-Woolley and their retirement home on Mutiny Bay, Whidbey Island.  She and Bob (the driver) were busy beautifying both homes and yards.  She loved flowers and plants and was a super gardener.  She loved collecting and displaying whirly gigs and all sorts of yard art.  She had dear neighbors near both homes that cared for and enjoyed her.

Sondra loved to shop and made friends everywhere who called her Gramma Son.  Her favorite people were at Stowes where her dear friend, Billy Good works, Fred Meyer, Woods Coffee, Oliver & Hammer and Rite-Aid in Sedro-Woolley and Freeland.

Sondra would encourage all to stay connected with Bob as he will need support throughout his bereavement.

May peace be with you.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00, Monday, August 19, 2024, at Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley, Pastor Jim Cannon Presiding, followed by a Committal Inurnment at Union Cemetery and fellowship at The American Legion Hall, 701 Murdock St, Sedro-Woolley.

Share your memories of Sondra and sign the online guest register.