Song Cha Schroeder

 Song Cha Schroeder (1944-2025)

 Song Cha Schroeder, 80, of Oklahoma City, passed away peacefully at home on March 2, 2025, after a long battle with kidney disease.

 Born in Seoul, Korea, in 1944, to Bu Sun Lee and Hae Sung Hong, Song Cha—known to many as Sophie—was a woman of extraordinary strength, grace, and resilience. From a young age, she exhibited remarkable musical talent, playing the piano and drums by ear with a natural gift. Her passion for the arts led her to study at Serabal University of the Arts (now Chung-Ang University), one of Korea’s most prestigious institutions, where she majored in Art and learned English.

 At the age of 22, Song Cha took a bold leap into the unknown, leaving her homeland and family behind to start a new life in America. It was here that she became a mother, welcoming her son, Robert Martin Collin’s Jr. (Bobby), on March 12, 1969. She met the love of her life, Steven Schroeder, in Lawton, Oklahoma. They were married on February 6, 1981, and together, they built a loving family.

 Song Cha worked as a flight attendant for American Airlines before choosing to devote herself fully to her family, embracing the roles of a loving wife, dedicated homemaker, Bible teacher, and mother to her two children, Cody Schroeder and Christina Elia. Her unwavering faith and strength formed the foundation of everything she did. A true warrior, Song Cha overcame every obstacle life placed before her, facing each challenge with grace, humor, and an unshakable resolve.

 Her beauty, both inside and out, radiated in all she did. Whether through her kindness, infectious laughter, or natural warmth, she had a unique way of lighting up a room. Her sense of humor and ability to find joy even in the most difficult moments was a gift that touched everyone she met.

 As a grandmother to Ray, Miles, and Rosella, Song Cha’s love only grew deeper. She cherished every moment spent with her grandchildren, passing on her strength, wisdom, and love for life. Her legacy lives on in them, with their courage, kindness, and laughter serving as a testament to the incredible woman she was.

 Song Cha’s life was a beautiful journey, marked by her faith, strength, and deep love for her family and Jesus. She faced life’s trials with the heart of a warrior, teaching everyone around her that with resilience, and love, nothing is impossible. Though she will be deeply missed, her spirit will forever remain a guiding light for all who knew her.

 Survivors include her children, Cody Schroeder and Christina Elia, and their respective spouses, Ken Elia and Amber Schroeder; grandsons, Ray and Miles Elia; granddaughter, Rosella Schroeder; her step grandchildren, Wyatt and Corinne Burden; her brother, Changsik Hong; mother-in-law, Connie Schroeder; siblings-in-law, Debbie and Jeff Crissup, Stan Schroeder, Clint and Robyn Bishard, Wes Willms, the late Jaylena Willms, and Vicki Barton. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

 Song Cha is preceded in death by her husband, Steve Schroeder; her parents, Hae Sung Hong and Bu Sun Lee; her brother, Youn Sick Hong; her son, Bobby Collins; her father-in-law, Ray “Fritz” Schroeder; her parents-in-law, Colleen and Jim Willms; brother-in-law, Doug Bishard; and niece, Miranda Bishard.

 Celebration of life service for Song Cha will be Friday, March 7, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at the Nazarene Church in Cleo Springs. Viewing will be prior to her service on Friday starting at 11:00 a.m. at the church. Arrangements are by Lanman Funeral Home, Inc. of Helena. www.lanmanfuneralhome.com Facebook: Lanman Funeral Home Inc.