Sonja Gay Howard

Sonja Gay Howard, better known as "Gay Gay" to children, was born on February 22, 1946 in High Hat Kentucky. She spent a lot of time with her grandparents, Delta and Orbe Newsome. Her mom and dad, Polly and Henry Tabak, moved to Ohio when she was but a child. When Sonja was seven, she and her family welcomed Bridget into the world. She and her sister were very close growing up. After graduating from Withrow High School, Sonja went to Ohio State University in Cincinnati, Ohio.

At the age of twenty-three, she married her childhood friend, Earl Thomas Howard. Together, they raised a son named Charles. Living on the military base in Florida Earl, and his family transferred to Colorado Where they lived on Lowry Air Force Base. When Charles grew up and Earl retired, Sonja made the bold decision to foster children.

Many children were in and out through the fourteen years that they served the foster care system. She loved each one of them, but there were two that she knew she had to keep. They adopted Savannah first. Sonja never loved anyone or anything more. Savannah was so frail and needed loved and attention; with a hole in her heart and physical problems, no one thought she would make it, but Sonja knew better. Savannah survived thanks to the countless hours Sonja spent with her. Her mom was proud to witness her graduation from college last May.

Tiffany was the youngest, they adopted her when she was three. Tiffany was the light and laughter in Sonja's life. Tiffany cared for her mom up until she moved out of state. She wanted nothing but the best for her mom.

Sonja was a godly woman with a wonderful sense of humor. For many years, she struggled with medical issues which made her life difficult. Now we know she is with God's angels, pain free, watching over us.

Forever in our hearts, we love you momma.

Survived by her husband, Earl Thomas Howard of 43 years, her son Charles Fisher (47) of Mount Vernon, OH, her daughters Savannah Christy Howard (24) and Tiffany Chyenne Howard (20) of Denver, CO, grandchildren Michael Lee Chambers (26), Christian Nathaniel Fisher (19), Sara Anne Fisher (16), Seth Powell Van Winkle (9 months). Her sister, Bridget Katchman (Michael), her nephews Jared Katchman (30) (Jessie) and Zachary Katchman (24) of Cincinnati, OH, and her mother Pauline Tabak of Cincinnati OH.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Children's Hospital Colorado Heart Institute, 13123 E. 16th Ave. Aurora, Colorado 80045.