Sonja M. Coyan, age 69, a resident of Fort Scott, Kansas, died Tuesday, September 2, 2008, at the Overland Park Regional Medical Center in Overland Park Kansas. She was born March 27, 1939, in Independence County, Arkansas, the daughter of Samuel Wesley Slayden and Maude Eloise Hunter Slayden. She first married Donald John Wittenberg on June 6, 1957. They were divorced. She later married Robert L.Coyan in 1989. He preceded her in death in July of 1991. Sonja had worked as a bookkeeper for Earl Beerbower Roofing and Sheet Metal. She also worked as manager of Larry's Carry Out and Dairy Queen. She was a member of the Church of Christ at 1900 S. Margrave. She was also a life member of the V. F. W. Ladies Auxiliary and had held the office of secretary. She enjoyed crocheting and ceramics.

Survivors include a daughter, Dawn Parker and husband Travis, Fort Scott, Kansas, and three grandchildren, Tyler, Hunter and Jenna. Also surviving are a sister, Sherry Beerbower and husband, Earl, Fort Scott; and two brothers, Samuel W. Slayden, Derby, Kansas, and Gene Slayden, Wichita, Kansas. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and an infant daughter, Sonja Montene Wittenberg.

Pastor Joe Griffin and John Durling will conduct funeral services at 1:30 P.M. Monday, September 8, 2008, at the Cheney Witt Memorial Chapel. Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Sunday, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the Church of Christ and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of sympathy may be emailed to the family at condolences@cheneywitt.com.