Sondra Witt was born on May 21, 1943, in a small town in southeast Nebraska called Western, to Glenwood and Pearl Witt. Her father worked at a grain elevator. When Sondra was a preteen, the family moved to Lincoln, where her father took a job as a salesman, and her mother began working for a medical company called Dorsey Laboratories.

Sondra graduated from Lincoln High School and became a beautician. She started working at a beauty shop located next door to a Mobil Oil service station operated by a young man named Mike Aksamit. Though she and Mike eventually met, Sondra already had a boyfriend and wasn’t interested in another man in her life. However, she introduced her close friend to Mike, but he wasn’t attracted to her despite her being a great catch.

In time, Mike persuaded Sondra to go on a Sunday afternoon drive in his new car. By the end of the drive, Sondra was convinced she wanted no more of him.

Several weeks later, Mike took a six-week vacation, leaving his father and brother to run the business. Every night while he was away, he wrote letters to the girl who worked next door. Though his feelings seemed one-sided, Mike had developed a strong affection for Sondra. When he returned, he asked her out on a date. Although Sondra had already committed to another date, she immediately canceled it to go out with Mike. After a few dates, Mike gave her his high school ring, and they began going steady.

Eight months later, on Easter Sunday, Mike's brother hosted Easter dinner. On the way to his house, Mike stopped at the Mobil station. He unlocked the door and led Sondra inside, where he asked for his ring back. Surprised, Sondra asked, “Why, Mike?” He replied, “Because I want you to have this,” as he opened a small box containing an engagement ring.

They married on August 31, 1963, beginning their journey to forever. Together, they raised three beautiful children: Michelle, Jennifer, and Lance.

In time, the family moved to St. Joseph, Missouri, where they lived for nine years. However, due to Michelle’s allergies, they needed a drier climate and moved to Colorado in 1972. With faith and determination, they trusted that God would take care of them, as He always had.

Sondra had a green thumb for gardening and was an even better fisherman than Mike. In Florida, she reeled in a giant tarpon; in Alaska, she caught a 40-pound king salmon. She also loved traveling, visiting Italy, Mexico, Canada, and destinations across the western United States.

Family was always her top priority. Her final days were spent surrounded by loved ones during a wonderful Christmas celebration, filled with love, joy, and the warmth of family.

Sondra is survived by her husband, Mike; her children, Michelle, Jennifer, and Lance, along with their spouses; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.