Sabra Sonksen

Sabra Sonksen, 73, of Newton died Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2015, at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines. Per Sabra’s wishes no services are scheduled. The Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory is handling the cremation and arrangements. Memorials in Sabra’s name may be left at the funeral home.

Sabra, the daughter of Charles and Betty (Hamilton) Webb, Sr., was born Oct. 10, 1942, in Iowa City. Although she lived in many places throughout her life, she always called Newton home. In 1959, Sabra was united in marriage to Darrell Jansen and they were blessed with two children, David and Lora. Their marriage ended in 1972, and Sabra was then married to Gary Sonksen in 1976. Sabra and Gary had one daughter, Melissa. Most recently Sabra was employed at the Principal Financial Group in Des Moines. She enjoyed going on picnics, even though that meant it was probably going to rain, and doing crafts such as jewelry making, crocheting, painting and ceramics.

Those left to honor Sabra’s memory are her children, David Jansen of Colfax, Lora (Steve) Van Ryswyk of Monroe and Melissa Sonksen of Newton; grandchildren, Darrell “D.J.” (Maria) Jansen, Josh Sparks (Molli Loyd), Elisha (Chad) Birkenholtz, Alec Sparks, Janelle Sparks, Trinity Van Ryswyk and Dalton Schlangen; her great-grandchildren, Judah, Charly, Ollie and Braeden; five step-children and their families; her brother, Matthew (Kathleen) Webb; step-mother, Arlene Webb; three nephews; a niece; and her closest friend, Sara Cones of Newton. She was preceded in death by her father, Charles Webb, Sr.; mother, Betty Hicks; step-father, Russell Hicks; husband, Gary Sonksen in 2008; and two brothers, Charles Webb, Jr. and Robert Webb.