Sonya (Berger) Johnson

February 24, 1950 – July 24, 2024 – Sonya (Berger) Johnson, 74, peacefully passed away Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at her home in Molalla, OR. Born February 24, 1950 in East Stroudsburg, PA., she was a daughter of Ellsworth Asher Berger and Arlene Gladys (nee Kent) Berger Zeman. Sonya grew up in Mt. Bethel, PA, and graduated from Bangor High School in 1968.

After high school she operated Fernwood Riding Stable in Bushkill, PA then moved to Oregon where, being proficient in equine Western and English style riding, she raised and broke Arabian, Standardbred and Quarter horses. Sonya loved cats and was a cat-mom to many throughout her life. After moving to Oregon in the late 70’s, Sonya met and married Allen Johnson, an electrician, and together they operated a cattle ranch, had horses, and had a large garden and a small orchard.

Sonya was an excellent baker and cook, and froze and canned produce from their property. She worked for ECD in Canby, Oregon for over 25 years and, being into fitness, she bicycled 10 miles each way to and from her job. Sonya worked extremely hard and was very generous.

She is survived by husband, Allen Johnson of Molalla, OR; two sisters, Lillian Kay Leach of Lebanon, PA. and Alice Ann Berger of Mt. Bethel, PA; a stepdaughter: Julie Johnson of Welston, OK; an uncle: Donald Kent of Williamsburg, VA; a nephew: Russell Read of Lebanon, PA; nieces: Robin Freeman of Jonestown, PA, Jocelyn Strunk of Macungie, PA and Joleen Strunk of Kalama, WA; many great nieces, great nephews and cousins.

A special thanks to Joleen Strunk for helping Sonya before her passing. An interment of the ashes will be done at Willamette National Cemetary in Happy Valley, OR. A Celebration of Life ceremony will be announced at a later date. Donations in Sonya’s name can be made to Hazelshousepdx.com or Kittydreams.org.