Sonja Rae Varney

Sonja Rae Varney, age 86, of Harrison, Michigan, passed away peacefully at her home on October 6, 2026.

She was born on January 30, 1940, in Ypsilanti, Michigan, to the late Rush and Gertrude (Faust) Longwell. Sonja carried the values of hard work, kindness, and family throughout her life, and she was known by those who loved her as a loving, kind, and creative woman whose presence brought warmth to every room she entered.

On October 19, 1990, she married Ronald Varney in Harrison, Michigan. Their marriage was a meaningful part of her life, and she treasured the years they shared together. Ronald preceded her in death on June 7, 2014. Sonja was also preceded in death by her son Joseph Kozma Jr., her daughter Christine Belcher, her brother Rush Longwell, and her sister Arbutus Miller. She leaves behind her children Catherine Taylor, Bradley Montgomery, Delores Kozma, and Beth Kozma, along with many grandchildren who will carry forward cherished memories of her love and guidance.

Sonja spent her life helping people in whatever way she could. She had a generous spirit and a gentle nature, and she was the kind of person who noticed when someone needed a hand, a kind word, or simply a listening ear. Her life was marked by quiet acts of care and compassion, and she made a lasting difference in the lives of many through her everyday kindness.

She found joy in the simple and meaningful things in life. Sonja loved sewing, cooking, working on crafts, drawing and painting and had a special talent for making ordinary moments feel special. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, gardening, and canning, and she especially loved going to garage sales. These interests reflected her creativity, patience, and appreciation for the treasures found in both work and leisure. She took pride in creating, preserving, and sharing, and those who knew her will remember the many ways she expressed herself through her hobbies and home.

Sonja will be remembered for the love she gave so freely, the kindness she showed to others, and the creative spirit that made her so unique. Her family and friends will remember her for her strength, her warmth, and the comfort she brought simply by being herself. Though her passing leaves a deep void, her memory will remain a source of comfort and inspiration to those who knew and loved her.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 11:00 am at Mott's Up North Wedding & Event Venue 452 N. Clare Ave. Harrison, Michigan 48625, with Pastor Ralph Kinner presiding.