Barbara Ann Emmert Sonner

Barbara Ann “Babs” Emmert Sonner, age 94, died on March 10, 2026, in New Orleans. She passed peacefully at Ochsner Baptist Hospital with her son at her side.

Born in Zanesville, Ohio, on January 9, 1932, Babs endured a difficult childhood that included several years at St. Vincent’s Orphanage in Columbus from 1940 to 1945. She found joy and strength in athletics, particularly softball and basketball, and later pursued ballet after earning a scholarship at a local dance studio. She also spent time with foster families and was deeply grateful for the lasting kindness and love shown to her by Rosella and Dick Barr of Columbus.

While swimming at the Scioto Country Club pool with the Barr family, she met her future husband, William “Bill” Sonner, Sr., a lifeguard. They married in 1951 and began their life together at Cherry Point, North Carolina, where Bill served in the United States Marine Corps. After his honorable discharge, the couple settled in Raleigh, where Bill completed his master’s degree at North Carolina State University. Babs worked in secretarial positions and gave birth to their only child, William Henry Sonner, Jr., in 1956. She channeled her love of animals into training show poodles and riding horses.

Babs and Bill divorced in 1971. She later moved to Fort Pierce, Florida, and then to West Palm Beach, where she spent many happy years at Lucerne Point senior living community surrounded by dear friends, including her former sisters-in-law and their husbands. She and Bill remained on friendly terms. In 2018, her son brought her to New Orleans when her health declined, and she lived there until her death.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ann Katherine Spinks and Paul Gerard Emmert. Barbara is survived by her son, William Henry Sonner, Jr., and his partner, Michael Gallaugher. A private family celebration will be held at a later date.