"Belchertown - Sonya R. (Ross) Hawkins, 81, of Rural St., died on September 27, 2014 at the Hospice of the Fisher Home in Amherst. She was born June 2, 1933 in Virginia, daughter of Herbert and Katherine Ross. She has lived in Belchertown since 1970, previously lived in Washington DC. Sonya had a Masters degree in Art Therapy. She retired as a nurse from the VA Hospital in Leeds after working in the field for 31 years. She was a Member of Hope United Methodist Church and very active in the church activities, committees and mission work. Sonya was an artist and painter. She is survived by her husband, of 60 years, Bobby G. Hawkins of Belchertown, four children Dardanelle Hawkins of Whately, MA, Barbara Harte of Belchertown, Daniel Hawkins of Belchertown and Monique Stifter of San Antonio, TX. She also leaves 12 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Sonya was preceded in death by a daughter Heidi Tyler in 1994, grandson Eric Auclair and sister, Nona Augustus. Services will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2014 at 10:00a.m at Hope United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in the South Cemetery. Calling hours will be Friday from 4:00 - 7:00 pm at the Beers & Story Belchertown Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to Hope United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 933 Belchertown, MA 01007. "