Sofia Caroline Milstead
December 01, 1996 - July 30, 2015
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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.
26 responses to Sofia Caroline Milstead
Tracy Compton and Tim Loving says:
July 30, 2015
Our hearts are with you at this most trying time.
Amber Vasquez says:
July 30, 2015
I will never forget Sofia and the ways she made me feel more included in the group and confident about myself. I never knew that living in the state of Washington could have this much of an impact on me on day. It’s been about 7 years since I’ve last seen Sofia. I was supposed to be in her graduating class of 2015. It breaks my heart that my life did not continue in that path. So here I am in California bawling my eyes out over such a bright, beautiful, and unforgettable girl. She was such an amazing person and I’ve been in disbelief since that one shocking day in July when I found out through a mutual friend. I stare at our 5th grade class picture and my heart aches and I can’t hold back my tears. I promise one day I will fly from California to Lynden to visit her and bring her flowers and tell her how much I appreciated her being my friend in the little time I knew her. I hope she is somewhere watching over seeing how much shes impacted me. She was honestly the greatest person I’ve ever met. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends.
Mydland Family says:
July 30, 2015
Our deepest condolences. We all loved her, and will forever cherish the times we got to see that beautiful smile. Rest in peace Beanie Baby, you are so loved.
Scott & Cathy Inglebritson says:
July 30, 2015
Paul & Julie:
We are heartbroken along with you at the loss of your beautiful daughter, Sophia. She had touched so many lives already in her short life, it was an honor to know her for all of us. Her memory will live on through the scholarship fund in her name, and with affection in all our hearts.
Love, Scott & Cathy Inglebritson
John Sylvester says:
July 30, 2015
Though I did not know Sofia or any of her family or friends, I am deeply moved and saddened by this tragedy which was brought more fully to my awareness because of the upcoming run/fundraiser. I am a soccer coach; most recently for nearly a decade as the head coach of Sehome High, boys. At the time, I heard the story and was terribly saddened by it. She sounds like just the sort of young person this world needs many more of. I would like to help in any way still possible.I compliment the family members on the beautiful obituary and the obvious outpouring of love which is present in every word. Having stepchildren myself, but only being in their lives for a relatively short time because their Mom remarried, I truly cannot understand the magnitude of this loss but it certainly makes me fully appreciate those whom are still a part of my life. I can’t explain exactly why, but Sofia jsut rings a chord with me and I want to spread awareness of the things she believes in, and the importance of grabbing a hold of this precious life while we have it, which it sounds like she absolutely did!!. I will make every attempt to walk and at least to donate …..may God bless all of you and give you strength through this everlasting journey, and may some good things be born of it.
Sincerely,
John Sylvester
360 224-7335
Bellingham, WA