Sophia Ann Betty Tatshama passed away Saturday, July 4, 2015. She was born May 22, 1970, to Veronica Stensgar and Leroy McDonald. Veronica soon met and married D'arcy Tatshama.

When Sophia was born she had some medical issues and spent some time in the hospital in Spokane. This is where she met her favorite nurse, Ann Betty. Veronica named Sophia after her mom Sophie and her favorite nurse. That is how she came up with Sophia Ann Betty. Veronica moved to Usk, Washington, with her child. She lived there for a short time before moving to Nespelem, Washington.

Sophie leaves behind her father D'Arcy Tatshama, who adopted her when she was about four years old; her biological father Leroy McDonald of Omak; her brothers: Billy Tatshama, Levi Tatshama, Davey Tatshama; sisters-in-law: Lonni Sherwood, Jessica Alefaio; son Peshaw St. Martin who is with Annesa Davis; daughters: Latisha and Patricia Tatshama; Latisha's boyfriend John Fletcher; numerous aunties and uncles.

Sophia grew up in Nespelem. She went to school at Nespelem Elementary and Chemawa Indian School in Salem, Oregon. Sophia loved living in Nespelem, growing up with family and many friends. With them she would go swimming, camping, pow-wows and sports. She also attended Job Corp in Corvallis, Oregon, where she met Hess St. Martin, father to Peshaw. She moved home to Nespelem and moved into new HUDS. She loved her house. Latisha was born to Sophia and Randy Thomas. Patricia was born to Sophia and Phillip Hall.

You could always count on her to have a smile, a hug and an "I love you." She loved riding horses at her Grandpa Richards (West Forks) Grandpa Johnson's and her dad's. She was very proud of Pesha for becoming a wildland firefighter. Latisha and Patricia brought her great joy and happiness to see them dancing at pow-wows. Her children were her heart and soul. They supported their mom in her day-to-day struggles and joys. She always made sure they had what they needed. She was a single mom who never let her children down. Sophia's brothers learned from that teaching.

Sophia was especially proud of Pesha and the relationship that he has with Annesa, We know that she would want Pesha to have full custody of his little sister Patricia. We know that Pesha and Annesa will provide great care and love to Patricia. Pesha has helped raise Patricia since her birth.

Sophia would want us to support and stand by her family in the hours, days and months to come.

Rosary was held Wednesday, July 8 at the Nespelem Community Center with funeral services on Thursday, July 9 also at the center. Father Jake Morton S.J. officiated. Burial was at West Fork Family Cemetery.