Sonya Lynn Smith

Sonya Lynn Smith, age 51, affectionately known to friends as “Ginger,” of Laguna Beach, California, passed peacefully on September 12, 2024, after a short courageous battle with neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer. She was born on January 12, 1973, in Gibson County, Indiana, to JD and Connie Smith. She brought light and warmth to all who knew her.

In addition to her parents, Sonya is also survived by her husband, Ashton Gowadia; sister Debra Herthel; sister in law, Tanzi Gowadia; aunts and uncles, Becky and Steve Richardson and Vicki and David Archer; several cousins; and her beloved miniature Schnauzer, Auggie. Sonya was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Bernell and Aldythe Smith; maternal grandparents, John and Marie Sprinkle; aunt and uncles, Jack and Cleve Clem, Johnny Sprinkle and Tom Smith; and brother in law, Nick Herthel.

In 1991, Sonya graduated from Princeton Community High School and in 1995 she graduated from Purdue University, with degrees in Business Administration and Fashion Design. She went on to attend the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles, California.

Sonya will always be remembered for her infectious laugh that could brighten any room, her unending generosity with her time and knowledge to those around her, and her passion for life’s simple pleasures. Sonya loved fashion, reading, cooking and exploring new cuisines and ingredients. She was known for her ability to whip up a feast on short notice. Sonya loved spending time with her dog, Auggie. One of her greatest joys was walking him 7 miles every morning along the Pacific Coast, where she found peace and serenity.

Despite her illness, Sonya continued to live with strength and grace, inspiring those around her. Her love, laughter and warmth will be deeply missed by all whose lives she touched. A visitation will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2025 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Colvin Funeral Home, Princeton, Indiana. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made, in Sonya’s honor, to The Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516 or at woundedwarriorproject.org/donate. Envelopes will also be available at the funeral home.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.colvinfuneralhome.com.

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