A former Southeast Missourian reporter Cecelia "Skeets" Sonderman, 79, of Cape Girardeau died Wednesday, Sept. 30, 1998, at St. Francis Medical Center.

Sonderman had also worked in the city manager's office and was a city councilwoman.

She was born Aug. 3, 1919, in Cape Girardeau, daughter of Fred Joseph and Clara Beaudean Meinz. She and John G. Sonderman were married Sept. 2, 1950, in Cape Girardeau.

Sonderman was a reporter with the Southeast Missourian Newspaper 27 years. She then was administrative assistant to the city manager from 1975-82. She also served two years on the Cape Girardeau City Council.

She was a graduate of Central High School and the former Steimle Business College. She served in the U.S. Marine Corps Women's Reserves during World War II.

Sonderman was a member of VFW Auxiliary to Post 3838, American Legion Post 63, and Cape Senior Center.

Survivors include her husband; and a sister, Joan Jaschke of Gulf Breeze, Fla.

She was preceded in death by two brothers and two sisters.

Friends may call at Ford and Sons Mt. Auburn Chapel from 4-8 p.m. today.

Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the chapel, with the Rev. Dave E. Schaffner officiating. Entombment will be in Memorial Park Mausoleum.