Elizabeth "Betty" Sonrel

ELIZABETH "BETTY" SONREL Grand Haven Elizabeth "Betty" Sonrel, age 89, died Thursday, July 27, 2006 at her home. She was the daughter of Frank and Rosa (Zwygart) Sonrel who came to this area in the late 1800's to settle on what is still the family property. Betty lived her life on her parents dairy farm while growing up and then returned in her later years. Elizabeth graduated from Grand Haven High School in 1934 and went on to earn a BA degree from what is now Western Michigan University. She taught school in Grand Rapids. Betty left teaching and joined the armed services (WACS) in 1943. At the close of the war she worked in the Hall of Justice in Grand Rapids until retiring in 1979. She then volunteered for several years at Kent Community Hospital, Harrison School and the Humane Society. Betty always had a special compassion for animals. In 1987 she returned to Grand Haven to stay. Survivors: 2 nieces, Suzanne (Sonrel) Scholl of Grand Haven and Dawn Sonrel (Randall) Williams of Valparaiso, IN; a great niece, Julie Ann (Tim) McCulfor of South Bend, IN; a great niece Julie Ann (Tim) McCulfor of South Bend, IN; 2 great grandnieces and 5 great grandnephews. Betty was preceded in death by 3 brothers, Julien, Francis "Bob" and Robert Sonrel; 3 sisters, Mrs. RC (Clara) Dunn, Mrs. CD (Martha) Blanchard and Mrs. Lewis (Rose) Clark. Following her request cremation has taken place and a private memorial service will be held at a later date. Due to the family being so small, Elizabeth may very well have been the last Sonrel in the United States.