Area teen will have star named in her honor

After a three year battle with cancer, Sophi Sanchez has died. The area 12-year-old had been placed on hospice just before Christmas this year, dying on Sunday, December 27 around 8:20 a.m.

Prior to being placed on hospice, Sophi underwent several surgeries to remove

new tumors and save her life. This being unsuccessful, Sophi came home to Gar_eld Street, with local residents organizing

a “Singing for Sophi” Facebook group to carol outside the

family’s residence in Stanley December 13. During the event Sophi waved from inside.

First diagnosed with cancer in 2017, Sophi was the biological daughter of Jennifer

Gorham Cornell and Ruben E.

Gonzalez, with Rebecca Gonzalez and Adam Cornell also

a part of her adult support network.

In addition, Sophi is survived by several brothers and

sisters. Posting to Facebook December 27, Sophi’s mother

Jennifer had the following to share:

“Our baby, our sun_ower,

our sunshine, our sassy pants,

our _reball, our warrior, she

laid down her sword this morning, she gave one hell of a _ght. Around 8:20 am, Heaven

gained the most beautiful angel, the most precious being

we’ve ever had the pleasure

knowing, raising a loving,

beautiful girl.”

As part of her ongoinglegacy, Sophi will have a

star named in her honor by father Ruben Gonzalez and

his wife Rebecca. Located

in the constellation Draco as

star 6464541, it will hereafter be known as “Sophi Sanchez – 25th December 2020.”

See OBITUARY, Page 9 OBITUARY

FROM Page 1

Sophia R.

Sanchez

2008-2020

Sophia R. Sanchez, 12 of Stanley, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Sunday, December 27, 2020. She was born on April 2, 2008 in El Paso, TX the daughter of Ruben E Gonzalez, III and Jennifer L Gorham.

Sophi was a 7th grader at Stanley-Boyd Schools. She had a _ery “spark plug” personality.

Sophi had an infectious smile that would bring joy to all around her. She was wise beyond her years and embraced the “baby of

the family” role. Sophi often

was the center of attention and always brought a joyous spirit around holidays.

She is survived by her parents, Jennifer (Adam) Cornell of Stanley and Ruben (Rebecca) Gonzalez of Fort McCoy, her siblings, Ruben, Annabelle, Jasmine and Abraham Sanchez, her step siblings, Ashley, Madison and Jaiden Cornell and Bladden Owen, her maternal grandmother, Renee Ames, her maternal grandfather, Matthew (Cathy) Gorham and her paternal grandmother, Reina (Jeff) Monroe.

A visitation will be from 1-5PM on Saturday, January 2, 2021 at the Plombon Funeral Home in Stanley.