Sylvia Monjar Hawley

SYLVIA MONJAR HAWLEY
November 22, 1941 to June 29, 2015

Sylvia Monjar Hawley, 73, passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 29, 2015 at Hearthstone of Northern Nevada in Sparks.  Sylvia had a beautiful spirit and was loved by all who knew her.

Sylvia was born November 22, 1941 in Hominy, Oklahoma to Melvin & Nellie Monjar.  The family moved to the Reno area in 1947.  She attended Sierra Vista Elementary School, Northside Junior High School and graduated from Sparks High School in 1960.  Sylvia pursued her education throughout her life in various institutions and earned degrees and certifications simply for the joy of learning.

Sylvia was preceded in death by her husband of 20 years, Kenneth “Leon” Hawley, on March 5, 2015; parents, Melvin and Nellie Monjar; 2 brothers, Lewis Monjar and John Monjar; 2 sisters, Katherine Lieby and Judith Patterson; one grandchild, Zoee Ford and one great-grandchild, McKenna Gundersen.

Surviving are her 6 children, Kathy Souviron (Greg), Dennis Ford (Roxana), Lani Christiansen, Dean Ford, Jill Billharz and Darren Ford; Step-children, Michael, Brenda, Janene, Carrie and Kenneth; 16 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; sisters Barbara Carlson, Irene Archibald (Donald), Linda Phillips (Terry), brother Thomas “Ed” Monjar and numerous nieces and nephews.

Sylvia was devoted to her family and treasured all family gatherings.  She joyfully attended an annual family reunion on Saturday, June 27th before her passing.  She loved her “sister trips”, which she looked forward to, as she loved to travel.  Sylvia was a homemaker when her children were young.  As her children matured, she worked many years in accounting and bookkeeping services for various companies.  Sylvia was passionate about politics and was steadfast in her beliefs.  She spent several years working for political causes that were important to her.  She was also very diligent and dedicated to her genealogy research and preservation of family history.  She was a loyal SF Giants baseball fan and enjoyed many hobbies such as sewing, quilting, crocheting and scrapbooking.

Sylvia converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in her early 20’s.  She remained a faithful and dedicated member ever since.  Her strong faith and love of the gospel carried her through many difficult times during her life.  She served in many positions during her lifetime and loved going to the temple. A heartfelt thank you goes out to all the church members who took the time to visit her and take her on outings to church and the temple.  Also a BIG thank you to the caretakers, staff and administration at Hearthstone and Regent Care who took such great care of her during the last few years, after her stroke.

Many will miss her dearly; all knowing that she is in a better place now without suffering.  As her beloved four year-old great-granddaughter Farrah said, “There’s no wheelchairs in heaven.”  Blessings and prayers are with her as she travels to be with those loved ones that passed before her.

Services will be held on Monday, July 13, 2015 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, located at 7625 Shadow Lane Sparks, Nevada. Viewing at 9:00 a.m., services at 10:00 a.m., gravesite dedication immediately following the services.  Please join the family for a reception at the church after gravesite dedication.  Funeral arrangements provided by La Paloma Funeral Services.