Sonya graduated from Allen Hancock College in 1992 with a registered nursing degree. She was a member of the Oceano Eagles.
Sonya is survived by her husband, Timothy Heller, son, Corwin; daughter, Amber; and father- and mother-in-law, Anthony and Leona Heller.
A nursing scholarship is being set up in Sonya's name. Donations can be sent in her name to the Allen Hancock College Foundation, P.O. Box 5170, Santa Maria, CA 93456.