Born on October 16, 1945, at Santo Tomas Hospital in Panama, Republic of Panama, Sonia was the daughter of Ray William Bowker and Alicia Carmen Ulloa. She grew up in the FAA housing areas of Rousseau and Cardenas, Canal Zone, alongside her younger sister, Betsy Bowker.

Sonia had a passion for racing her Alfa Romeo and enjoyed a vibrant career. She began selling cosmetics for Revlon in Panama, later working as a civilian for the U.S. Navy in the Time and Attendance Office at Rodman Naval Station, Canal Zone. She eventually served as the Supervisor of the Cosmetics Section at the Balboa Commissary for the Panama Canal Company.

A 1963 graduate of Balboa High School, Sonia married and had two sons, Landon (Roxane) and Kenneth. Landon and Roxane blessed her with two grandchildren, Shannon and Preston. Shannon gave Sonia her first great-grandchild, Shay Marie, and Kenneth gave her another granddaughter, Sheena. In 1973, Sonia married the love of her life, Glenn Rhyne. Together, they had two children, Erick (Christina) and Taffy (Steven). Erick and Christina added two more grandchildren, Alicia and River, while Taffy and Steven gave her another granddaughter, Leila. In 2020, through 23and-Me, Sonia joyfully discovered and connected with her siblings, Richard Frederick and Patty Brown. She cherished visits from her children and grandchildren, who brought light to her life with their accomplishments and heartfelt gifts.

Sonia and Glenn lived in Balboa, Canal Zone, where Glenn worked for Canal Zone Customs. As the Panama Canal Treaty approached, they relocated to El Paso, Texas, and later to Miami, Florida; Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; and finally Houston, Texas. Upon retirement, they embraced life on the road in a fifth-wheel RV, traveling between Texas and Florida, but always returning to their home base in Johnson City, Texas. After five years, they settled permanently in Johnson City, building their dream retirement home. Sonia loved riding pillion with Glenn on their motorcycle, taking scenic day trips to BBQ restaurants with dear friends Roger and Lois Sparkman, Bob and Ann House, and Bobby and Wanda Sturgeon. At home, she found joy sitting on her back porch, watching wildlife, and tending to her plants and roses.

Sonia treasured road trips, especially visits to Montana to see Erick and his family. She is survived by her husband, Glenn; children, Landon (Roxane), Kenneth, Erick (Christina), and Taffy (Steven); grandchildren, Shannon, Preston, Sheena, Alicia, River, and Leila; great-grandchild, Shay Marie; siblings, Betsy Bowker, Richard Frederick, and Patty Brown; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Sonia’s warmth, love for family, and adventurous spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

A memorial service honoring Sonia's life will be held at 1:00 PM, Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at Crofts - Crow Funeral Chapel in Johnson City.