Sonja "Sonie" Rae Schorr Buys' Obituary
Sonja Rae Schorr Buys, lovingly known as “Sonie,” passed away on June 18, 2026, in her cherished Taylorsville home . At the time of her passing, Sonja was surrounded by the comfort of family, including her grandson Anthony, his wife Nicole, and their two children, Kairi and William, with whom she shared her home.
Born on May 2, 1942, Sonja was the daughter of William and Elizabeth Schorr. She grew up with a warm heart, a curious mind, and a gift for connecting with others. She graduated from Bingham High School and later attended Brigham Young University
Shortly after her college years, Sonja met and married her beloved eternal companion and best friend, Gary Rex Buys. Their marriage was a partnership filled with devotion, music, companionship, and deep commitment. Their son, Robert Buys, was later added to their family, bringing them joy and purpose. Years later, Sonja, Gary, and Robert were joyfully sealed together in the Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a blessing that reflected Sonja’s faith and the eternal love she held for her family.
Sonja worked for the State Board of Education for over thirty years, where she was valued for her insights, organizational skills, communication abilities, and her remarkable talent for creating lasting relationships. She brought care and thoughtfulness to her work, and many of the friendships she formed with colleagues continued long after her retirement.
Sonja loved reading, animals, gardening, and simply getting in her car for a drive through the mountains or countryside. She took joy in making her home a lovely and welcoming place for her husband, son, family, and friends. One of her favorite things was to read while listening to Gary fill their home with beautiful music on the piano and saxophone. Those peaceful moments reflected the tenderness of their life together.
More than anything, Sonja loved people. She built lasting friendships wherever she went and had a genuine interest in everyone and everything. She listened with attention, remembered details, and made others feel seen and valued. Her warmth extended to all living things, including Gary’s scruffy macaw, with whom she developed a thirty-year relationship and who remained perched in her room at the time of her passing.
Sonja was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Through her years of service, she often reflected with special fondness on her calling as ward librarian. It was a place where she could use her natural gifts for organization, helpfulness, and conversation. She called the library her “safe place.” She loved the people in her ward and frequently spoke with deep appreciation for the kindness, service, and love they showed to her and her family.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gary Rex Buys; her precious son, Robert Buys; her parents, William and Elizabeth Schorr; and her brother, John Schorr. Sonja is survived by her grandchildren, Anthony Buys (Nicole), Jonathan Buys (Katie), Elizabeth Buys, Brianna Buys, Zachary Buys (Kalie), Lijiah Buys, and Jacob Buys; her sister, Iris Nelson (Danny); her sisters-in-law, Patty Jones (David) and Cheri Schorr; and five great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.
Sonja will be remembered for her gentle humor, her thoughtful listening, her love of beauty and home, her devotion to family, and the sincere friendships she nurtured throughout her life. She leaves behind a legacy of warmth, loyalty, and kindness that will continue to live in the hearts of those who loved her.
A Celebration of Life will be held for family and close friends on June 27th at 11:00 a.m. at the Brookshire Ward Church, 1327 West 5550 South, Taylorsville, Utah. Those who knew and loved Sonja are invited to gather in remembrance of her life, her faith, and the warmth she shared so freely with family and friends.
“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart…..Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:30-31)
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