Sonya L. Russ

ST. JOHNSVILLE – Sonya L. Russ was born in the Town of Minden, New York, on February 8, 1943. She entered Heaven’s gates, on June 17, 2024, in the comfort of her home, with her loving family always at her side, at the age of 81. The family gives Mountain Valley Hospice and everyone else, relatives and friends, who cared for Sonya, our greatest and warmest gratitude.

A strong loving mother and homemaker, Sony was a remarkable babysitter and enjoyed preparing a comfortable atmosphere for the children, her family and friends, most especially throughout the community of St. Johnsville, where quite frankly, she was an icon. She was educated in local schools. For many years, leading up to her passing, she collected anything we could think of and just loved cleaning out houses with her brother, Leland. She loved to watch Elvis and country western television shows during her spare time. She was a dedicated family member and consistently enjoyed special outings with her sisters, brothers-in-law and nieces and nephews. We will always remember the Buffalo Head, Flo’s and getting her hair done! Through the years, Sonya attended Grandview Baptist Church, of Fort PlaIn.

Sonya married Stewart O. Russ, on May 30, 1962, in Fort Plain and her loving husband preceded her in death, on February 27, 1996. She was also predeceased by her parents, her dad, Raymond I. Sanders, the first; her mom, Mary L. (Jones) Sanders; her brothers, Ronald Cross and Raymond Karl Sanders (wife Doris); and her sons-in-law, Richard W. Johnson, Jr., and James Gay.

Sonya is survived by her daughter, Vickie Johnson, of St. Johnsville; her sisters and brothers, Alberta White and husband, David, of Fords Bush, Donna Gay, of Mohawk, Raymond Isaac Sanders, II and wife, Sandy, of Johnstown, Leland Sanders and wife, Nancy, of St. Johnsville and Larry Sanders, Sr. and wife, Kathy, of Little Falls. She is also survived by two grandchildren, Mandy Pomatto and her fiancé, Jason Wozniak and Adam Johnson and his wife, Danielle, of St. Johnsville. She has four great-grandchildren, Melanie Rose Pomatto, Parker Isaac Wozniak, Kahleesi Johnson and Richard Johnson; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Funeral Service celebrating her life will be held on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., at Grandview Baptist Church, 15 Washington Street, in Fort Plain, New York. There are no calling hours and private interment will be in St. Johnsville Cemetery.

At the conclusion of the Church Service, on Saturday afternoon, please join us at mom’s home, at 5 New Street, in St. Johnsville, for refreshments and memories.

Sonya’s family has coordinated all arrangements with the Enea Family Funeral Home, 9 Center Street, in St. Johnsville, New York. (518) 568-2300.

A very special memorial page has been established at the Enea, Ciaccia & Applegate website, www.eneafamily.com on the Internet.