On Friday, May 6, 2022, Sonja Joan Manley (Dougherty), loving wife and mother of four, passed away peacefully at home and surrounded by family at the age of 82.  

On Dec. 28, 1939, Sonja was born to John and Goldie Dougherty in Burchard, NE. She met her husband of almost 65 years, Sherman Manley, and they married on April 15, 1958. Together they raised four children: Kent, Kurt, Kathy and Korey.  

After graduating high school in 1958, Sonja and Sherman married and started their family. After living in Nebraska and Kansas for several years, in 1965 they moved into their “forever home” in Excelsior Springs, MO. After being a homemaker throughout the children’s upbringings, she worked at Guys Potato Chips and Orbseal.  

In 2002, Sonja retired and began to spend weeks at a time traveling with Sherman as he worked as a truck hauler. They traveled to many states, including Florida and California. She also spent time enjoying nights at bingo, working on word puzzles, watching in-person wrestling with her girlfriends, camping with her husband Sherman, baking, and spending time with her grandchildren. Sonja was known for her nurturing ways and never hesitated to let people know that she loved them. Selflessness and generosity were two traits that highlighted her personality. Sonja touched the lives of so many people; she lived a long prosperous life.  

Sonja is survived by her beloved husband, Sherman Manley; their son, Kurt Manley; sister, Zelda; daughters-in-law, Lynette and Donna; grandchildren, Kenny, Jennifer, Kim, Josh, Amy, Brittany and Trever; 14 great-grandchildren; and many other loved ones.  

Sonja is preceded in death by her parents, John and Goldie Doughtery; her sister, Onna Lee; daughter, Kathy; and two sons, Kent and Korey Manley. 

Services will be held at Bross and Spidle Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs, Mo on Friday, May 13, 2022, from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. Burial services to follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in Excelsior Springs, MO.