Sonia Ruth Eddington Jividen was born on February 28, 1943 in Murray, UT to Reed and Nora Eddington, and died at home surrounded by loved ones on November 13, 2019.

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Sonia contracted the dreaded disease Polio when she was 3 years old. Her parents were devastated when the doctors told them that she wouldn't live and to prepare for her death. Reed and Nora wouldn't accept that diagnosis however and continued to do everything they could to save their young child. Although the disease left her with a crippled right hand, Sonia defied the doctors prognosis and made a complete recovery. She then went on to spend the rest of her life proving the doctors wrong.

When it was clear that Sonia would recover the doctors told her parents that she would not be able to enjoy a normal childhood and would probably die young, and if by some miracle she beat the odds and survived into adulthood, she would never be able to bear children.

Sonia enjoyed a happy childhood with her siblings Robert (deceased), JoAnn, Linda, and Doug. She attended Murray High school in Murray, UT, graduating in 1961. Sonia loved sports, especially softball. She also loved music, singing with her family, and participating in school and church choirs. She learned to play the guitar saying she chose the guitar because she could play the chords with her good left hand and strum with her crippled right. Although her hand was crippled, none of her children ever thought of her as having a disability. It never seemed to prevent her from doing anything that she wanted to do.

On September 15, 1961, Sonia and LaVelle Luke Morris were married and sealed in the Salt Lake Temple, and about 9 months later they defied the doctors prognosis again and had the first of their seven children. Shortly after that Sonia and the young baby Kurt joined LaVelle in Okinawa, Japan, where LaVelle was stationed with the Army. While in Japan their second child Brad was born. Sonia loved living in Okinawa and the people there, and even though she moved there as a 19 year old young woman who had never traveled far, she fondly referred to it as the happiest time of their marriage.

Following their three year stint in the Army, they moved back to Murray, UT, where they spent the following seven years and had four more children, Neil, Perry, Teresa, and Tanya. By this time their expanding family had outgrown their small Murray home and moved to Salt Lake City where they lived for about five years and had their final daughter Nora. LaVelle and Sonia's last move as a family was in the summer of 1976 to Sandy, UT. During this time in Sandy, Sonia and LaVelle sang together in the Utah Chorale, which turned into one of their favorite activities.

Sonia's work career included positions as Executive Assistant at Morris Travel and the law firm of Ballard Sparr. As an executive Assistant Sonia became an excellent typist, typing at 88 wpm despite her withered right hand. Sonia also worked as a real estate agent during a period when women were often discouraged from working as agents in the industry.

After 25 years of marriage and raising seven children, Sonia and LaVelle divorced. Over the next couple of years Sonia began dating a man that she had crossed paths with as 19 year old young mother. A friendly and loving man by the name of Pat Jividen whose sister was good friends of Sonia's sister JoAnn. The relationship progressed and Pat and Sonia married on September 9, 1988, and began their new lives together. Pat and Sonia loved spending time together at their cabin in Tabiona, which became their place of refuge and peace. They probably would have lived there year round if it had been practical.

Some of the things that Sonia enjoyed most in life were her family, spending as much time as possible at their cabin in the hills above Tabiona, UT, and singing with the family, especially at Christmas time. This eventually transitioned from caroling to friends and family, to putting together and performing the annual Morris Family Christmas Program. This program ran for ten fun years and grew to a large group as grandchildren became old enough to join the performances. Eventually the growing and changing family dynamics made continuing the program impractical and the annual event came to an end.

Although Sonia won the initial battle with Polio as a toddler, she eventually lost the war. Pain and health problems forced her into an early retirement, a wheelchair, and for the last few weeks, a hospital bed. During that long decline, her faithful and loving husband Pat stayed by her side and cared for her. Sonia's children will be forever grateful to Pat for his patience, love, and dedication to mom through these difficult times. We would also like to recognize Nora and Tanya, along with Pat, for taking the brunt of the caregiver responsibilities during Sonia's final years of life.

Sonia Jividen passed away at home on November 13, 2019 following a long and painful struggle with her body, and has now happily been reunited with loved ones who preceded her in death, including her parents Reed and Nora, her oldest brother Robert, and her stepdaughter Kim.

Sonia is survived by her siblings JoAnn, Linda, and Doug, and her loving and devoted husband Pat Jividen, her children Kurt, Brad (Karcie), Neil (Kyra), Perry (Maria), Teresa (Russell), Tanya (Brent), and Nora, step children Aimee and Bruce, as well as 29 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

Services

Reception

Monday, Dec. 09, 2019 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints
6710 S 1300 E
Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121

Memorial Service

Monday, Dec. 09, 2019 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Chappel
6710 S 1300 E
Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121

Life Story Info

Author

Sonia Jividen children

Post Date

Nov 15, 2019

Contribute

“In lieu of flowers...”

http://www.post-polio.org/donhow.html

Personal Info

Born

Murray, Utah, United States

Died

Cottonwood Hights, Utah, United States

Cause of Death

Age

Age

76

Gender

Female

Religion and Beliefs

Latter-day Saint

Occupation

Executive Assistant, Real Estate Agent, Mother, Homemaker

Military Affiliation

  • Army

Worked For

  • Morris Travel
  • Ballard Sparr

Education

  • High School
    Murray High
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NEXT Keith Barker Knighton Keith Barker Knighton

Guestbook

I was so sorry to see this obituary for Sonia.

She attended our Post-Polio Support Group in Salt Lake when she was in town and was able. She was a very nice and kind lady, and she seemed to have great support from her family.

Our Condolences to the family.

Post-Polio Support Group

Deb Hunt , Millcreek, UT, US Dec 12, 2019

Sonia and I were cousins and the same age. Although our family moved away from Utah for a while, we returned in my junior high school years. Sonia and I spent a lot of great times together. I remember going to her house in Murray, 5 miles away from our home in Holladay. I usually rode my bike, and occasionally walked the distance. We would sing together, play and talk together, and ice-skate on their pond in the back yard. My family moved away after three years, and we didn't have the chance to stay together as friends, but our hearts remained together. I could occasionally see her during special family events, reunions, etc., or later at family funerals. I watched her as her disease slowly came back and her courage during her later life. I guess the reason I felt closer to Sonia than some of my other cousins, was that I was diagnosed with polio in my younger years also. However, my case did not cause any permanent damage, as did Sonia's life. I will always treasure my memories of our times together. I had great love and admiration for my cousin and FRIEND!!

Peggy Eddington Henderson , West Jordan, UT, US Dec 08, 2019

Uncle Pat, and all the children and spouses,

Sending our deepest condolences for the entire family. We love you all so much. Aunt Sonia will truly be missed.

Barbara Pettersson , Midvale, UT, US Nov 18, 2019

Pat I just happened onto this and realized this was you!! I am so sorry for your loss!

She sounds like a wonderful lady!! My love and prayers are with you and your family!

Julie Torkelson , WOODS CROSS, UT, US Nov 16, 2019

I am so sorry for your loss! For many years your house was like my second home and I always felt welcomed and loved by your entire family.

Sonia was an strong, amazing woman With a generous heart.

She will continue to be an inspiration for me an many others.

My thoughts and prayers go out to all of those who love here.

May the happy memories bring you peace and soon outshine the sadness.

All my love,

Jen

Jennifer (Householder) Carr , Melbourne , Victoria, AU Nov 15, 2019

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