Sonya Holloway

A beloved eldest daughter, sister, aunt, niece, cousin, and friend, Sonya Nicole Holloway passed from this world unexpectedly on Sunday evening, December 15, 2019, when she gained her angel wings. She was 38 years old.

Born in Claremore, Oklahoma on Monday, February 23, 1981, to John “Popper” and Leslie Lynn (Tallchief) Holloway III, she was a lifelong resident of the Fairfax and Ralston communities. Growing up she attended schools in the Fairfax Public School system, graduating with the Woodland High School Cougar Class of 1999.

Sonya was a proud member of the Chickasaw and Osage Nations by way of her maternal grandparents, Elizabeth Ann “Betty” (Bowman) Tallchief and Omer “Charles” Tallchief, respectfully. Her paternal grandparents were Viola “Vi” (Lizotte) Holloway and John “Chief” Holloway, Jr. Chief also belonged to the Osage Nation and was of the Buffalo Clan. As the eldest daughter, Sonya was given the Osage name “Wah he she” meaning “Generous,” which fit her perfectly.

After high school Sonya worked at the Osage Casino and Fairfax Manor Nursing Home. As a certified nurse’s aide, she had passion for the residents and was always there to brighten their lives.

Her hobbies included learning her native tongue at Osage Language classes; doing bead work; Osage finger weaving; and cooking when needed at her family (Bowman) camp.

Sonya was an avid OSU Cowboy fan and, in a house divided, things could get interesting – ask any family member.  She had an infectious smile, caring personality, and was the life of the party. She also loved listening to music and playing video games in her free time.

If you knew her well or barely at all, she always left you thinking, smiling, and laughing. She was funny, outgoing and never met a stranger. She loved being around children, family, and friends. Her pride, motivation and joy in life was her nephew Josh.

Sonya loved her family deeply and is survived by her adoring parents John and Les Holloway; her best friend and sister Courtney Holloway; and her cherished nephew, Josh Cates, all of Fairfax. She also leaves behind many aunts, uncles, cousins, and a host of other precious family members and friends who will miss her legendary laugh and caring demeanor.

She is joining both her maternal and paternal grandparents in heaven.

Sonya will lie in state at the Grayhorse Chapel on Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday, Dec. 17-18, 2019. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2019 at the Grayhorse Chapel with John Redeagle officiating.  Interment will follow in the Tallchief Family Hilltop Cemetery. Arrangements are by Hunsaker Wooten Funeral Home of Fairfax.

Pallbearers are Brandun Irons, Kent Evatt, Mark Carter, Quinn Thompson, Greg Daley, Gabe Graham, Michael Drebenstedt, and Lance Nuttle.

Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.hunsakerwootenfuneralhome.com

When you think of Sonya, celebrate the good memories you shared with her. Remember that life is fragile and short and should be lived like Sonya did - to the fullest.