Sonja Yvonne Wyant, 87, of Peoria, passed away August 31, 2026, at her home with her devoted partner, Paul King, by her side.

She was born March 5, 1939, in Creve Coeur, Illinois, to Henry and Julia Payton. Sonja married Robert Wyant, and the two shared 51 years together before his death on November 8, 2018. She was raised at the Ann Street Mennonite Church in Peoria and later became a Lutheran. Her faith remained a steady part of her life.

Sonja decided what she wanted and made it happen - that was simply how she moved through the world. She built a career as an accountant at Spiegel's department store, then built a second one from scratch, opening a craft store filled with the quilts, gifts, and décor she made herself. That same determination showed up every Thanksgiving and Christmas, when her table was full, her house was fuller, and no one left hungry.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Julia Payton; her husband, Robert Wyant; her daughter, Toni Lynn Markwalder; her sister, Julia Bryan; and her brother-in-law, Evan Bryan.

She is survived by her partner, Paul King of Peoria, Illinois; her granddaughter, Amber Vasquez of Chicago, Illinois; her great-grandson, Hayden Vasquez of Chicago, Illinois; her nieces, Linda Kling of Olathe, Kansas, and Julie Noble of Green Valley, Illinois; and her nephews, Mike Bryan of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and Tom Bryan of East Peoria, Illinois. She is also survived by nine great-nieces and great-nephews and thirteen great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews.

Per her wishes, she will be cremated, and her remains will be scattered.