Sofia Caroline Milstead

December 01, 1996 - July 30, 2015

Sofia Caroline Milstead

December 01, 1996 - July 30, 2015

Obituary

Sofia Caroline Milstead, age 18, passed away suddenly in a car accident on July 30, 2015. She was born on December 1, 1996 in Bellingham, WA to Paul Milstead and Julianne DelCano Milstead. She attended Geneva Elementary School in Bellingham as well as Isom and Vossbeck Elementary Schools in Lynden. Sofia was a 2015 graduate of Lynden High School. She was extremely excited to be attending Washington State University in August where she planned on joining a sorority, trying out for the college cheer squad, and majoring in criminal justice with a minor in humanities.

While at Lynden, Sofia played on the Varsity soccer team for three years and was a basketball cheerleader for three years, serving as captain her senior year. She ran Varsity track her freshman and junior years, qualifying for state in the 4×400 relay and the 300 intermediate hurdles her junior year. Sofia was known for her competitive spirit. Whether it was learning to ride a bike just because her cousin already knew how, or beating out three state ranked hurdlers to qualify for state she always gave her everything. Sofia was also active in the Lynden FFA, participating in a number of Career Development Events and showing a market hog at the Northwest Washington Fair for four years. She served as an ASB class representative and a Freshman Mentor her senior year. Sofia was active in Young Life and Young Life leadership. At the time of her passing Sofia was employed at E2 Fitness in Lynden and as a sales associate at Aeropostale in Bellingham.

Sofia was a force of nature who embodied the phrases, “free spirited” and “full of life.” She was high energy, always on the go and had a personality that drew people in. Her smile lit up every room she walked into. She was a very driven and determined girl. Once Sofia set her mind to something, she was going to make it happen no matter what anyone said. One of her favorite memories from senior year was bringing the family dog, Copper, to school as part of the senior class’ bring-your-pet-to-school prank. She was elected homecoming princess her sophomore year and voted a class personality by her fellow seniors. Sofia loved going out with her friends, listening to music, playing sports, animals, and hot Cheetos.

Sofia was deeply loved by her friends and family and is survived by her Father and Stepmother Paul and Julie (Holterman) Milstead, her mother Julianne DelCano Milstead, sisters Sinclaire Milstead and Regan Milstead, brothers Carson Milstead and Seth Bunn, Grandparents Glen and Jan Milstead, Carmen Salazar and Rolland and Jean Holterman. Aunts, Uncles and cousins Matt and Tricia Milstead (Patrick, Hanna), Jason and Andrea Milstead (Liam, Alison), Joey Cevallos (Ariel, Johnny), Chris and Jana Holterman, Ryan and Heidi DeWaard (Shelby, Brooks, Walker, Ellie). She was preceded in death by her Grandfather Jose Angel Menchaca.

A private family burial will be held at Greenacres Cemetery. A celebration of Sofia’s life will be held on Thursday, August 6, 11:00am, at Bellingham Christ the King: 4173 Meridian St. Bellingham, WA 98226. Memorial contributions can be made at any Whatcom Educational Credit Union branch location.

No Events & Services

No Charities & Donations

No Gallery Photos

Sofia Milstead Memorial

26 responses to Sofia Caroline Milstead

1 2 3 6
  1. Jenny says:

    Sophia’s friends and family,
    You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
    My brother passed away suddenly in the very same way as Sofia. He was so young and dearly loved. We were very close, me and my brother, he was my best friend. It was hard coping with the shock of his death.
    This moment has strengthened me so much, I just needed to share it. The night after my brother’s funeral, as I was feeling sad and alone, he spoke to me as I looked up at the night sky. Like a whisper on the wind, my brother told me goodnight like he always did. I was physically alone at the time but I felt such a strong presence with me. So now, even though it is hard that I cant play Super Mario Bros and eat corn pops with him, I know my brother is there everyday and I can smile.
    Please stay strong, don’t forget to lean on those who are there. I know its hard to understand during this difficult time but heaven has a plan for us all. Celebrate her life here on Earth as she did so beautifully! Sofia lived the life that was meant for her, nothing could have been done to change her fate, so please don’t dwell on it. Death is only another beginning and you will see dear Sofia Caroline again. Sofia’s bright spirit really does live on, she is by your side, don’t forget to smile back at her. <3

    God Bless,

    Jenny (20 years old, Spokane WA)

  2. “Perhaps they are not the stars, but rather openings in Heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy”

    All my love to you all
    XOXO

  3. I did not know Sophia, and I imagine there will be many messages from strangers sending condolences. But I just want to say that even from a strangers perspective her life has touched my soul. She seemed like such a beautiful person. It has only made me realize how precious life is, and that all I can do is I promise to live each day to the fullest, as your dear Sophia has.

  4. Jessica says:

    Hi my name is Jessica. I did not know Sophia but some of my very close friends did. The words they used to describe her were absolutely beautiful. I just wanted to let you guys know that when Thomas Rhett sang for her, it was moving. He sang his heart out and I wanted to let you know how blessed I felt to be able to experience that moment, it was incredible. There were strangers in tears, and it was almost like you could feel the spirit and love in the air. I am so sorry to hear for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers,
    Jessica

  5. Our deepest condolences to you Paul and your family. We can not express how saddened we are to hear of your tremendous loss of such a beautiful daughter, inside and out. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May you find the strength and courage you need in all the loving memories of Sofia, and may her memory be eternal. Jim, Dini & Soula Christopoulos

1 2 3 6

Leave A Condolence