The world became a little less bright on January 29th, 2025, when Sonny James Rock passed away peacefully on his 52nd birthday in Gilbert, Arizona.
Sonny was born in Missoula, Montana to Donna and Daniel Rock. In his early years he lived in Montana and California, finally landing in Riverton, Ut in 1984.
Sonny loved spending time with his only brother, Jason, and they had an incredible bond. While in Utah, Sonny had many, many friends. He was known for his witty sense of humor and crazy antics. The fact he was awarded “Most Remembered” his senior year shows what an impact he had on his peers.
He met Michelle Laub the first day of his senior year and shortly after that they became inseparable. They married young on March 28th, 1992. Their family grew shortly thereafter and subsequently they had four daughters who were his entire world.
Michelle and Sonny lived in Iowa for 4 years where Sonny made many lifelong friends that continue to this day. They settled in Mesa, Arizona in 2001 where they raised their family. Sonny loved football, the outdoors, his friends, movies, concerts and traveling.
Though Sonny will be most remembered for his love of people, especially his family. He was a friend to all and made every person he met feel like they mattered and that he genuinely cared. Sonny always saw the best in people and encouraged everyone to be the best version of themselves.
Sonny leaves behind his wife Michelle, daughters Skyelee, Quynn, Peyton and Emery. His parents Donna and Robert Rock, brother Jason (Jyl Bosone). Mother In-Law Mona Davis (Kelly), Father In-Law Kevin Laub (Marianne). Sisters- In-Law, Erica Liti (Sam), Amy Bonnemort (Dave), Whitney Turley (Trace), Brothers-In-Law Brett Laub (Lacey) and Landon Laub (Norma) as well as many nieces and nephews who he cherished. We also cannot forget about his beloved dog, Bowtie.
In honor of Sonny, we encourage all to smile at a stranger, offer encouragement to a friend or reach out to someone you haven’t spoken to in awhile.
#RockRockneverstop
Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
Sonny was a great guy, I know him through our mutual interest of Pearl Jam. We made trades for merch. He got his Phoenix ‘13 event T from me and a couple of Volcom Backspacer T-Shirt,
Always a great conversation and I’m sad he’s gone.
God needing a great guy in heaven, he sure got 1
You will be missed Sonny…Godspeed
I haven’t seen Sonny since little league football. But, we played several seasons together winning lots of games. I’m sorry to hear about your early departure or separation from your family. Thoughts and prayers with your family here on earth. God bless them all!
Sonny has been a business colleague and friend for a number of years. He has been my solar go-to guy to count on and deliver clean energy. Always so friendly and kind to people. He absolutely adored his family. His ladies were his pride and joy. Every time we spoke he would mention how much he appreciated his family. He will be missed by many and the Camp Family is sending our condolences.
Sonny,
I enjoyed so much watching you and your brother Jason grow up while you were in Humboldt County. It was so much fun seeing you playing together and seeing you learn to be the big brother. My very favorite time was spending time with you both while we were singing karaoke. We would hang out for hours picking out songs and performing together!
You grew up to be a wonderful nephew, brother, father and responsible person. Your fun-loving, adventurous spirit will be missed by all whose lives you touched. I will always cherish our memories together. Love and Peace, Uncle Joe.
We grew up in Riverton in the same subdivision. I used to go play football with him and Jason. He was always good to make sure I survived. I was happy that Facebook connected me with him and so many others. I know Sonny will always be watching over his girls I saw his deep love for you and how proud he was. My sincere condolences to you all ❤️
I remember this young man when he was 3-4 when he lived in Montana. Loved watching this young man grow up. He was always so responsible for taking care of his mother and brother. As an adult he loved sports and pretty much took his interests there. Well not at the results of his family. RIP Sonny. Say hi to Grandma and grandpa and Aimee
I went to school with Sonny. I didn’t know him really well, but was friends and played football with Jason. Sonny and I became friends on Facebook because of the social connections we had. We chatted a few times on Facebook and grew closer there, but still not super tight. A couple of years ago he hit me up and said if I could get myself to California, he had a ticket to a pearl jam concert waiting for me. Sonny had remembered that about 10 years prior on Facebook, that I had made a comment that seeing PJ was a bucket list of mine. He reached out to a guy who he didn’t know well and offered me an amazing experience. I met him in Cali and he took me to my first PJ concert. We got to know each other more and talked a lot about life and experiences. Since then, we would share pictures or video of any PJ concert we attended.
That’s the kind of guy he was. Thinking of others, whether he knew them that well or not. He was a kind soul and amazing man and someone I can call a friend. I reflect back on our conversations that trip, and the impact he had on me in such a short time. I’ll miss you bro.
“Hold on to the thread / The currents will shift / Glide me towards you … know something’s left / And we’re all allowed to dream of the next time we touch.”
-Cody Fullmer
Sonny was 2 years younger than I was in school. We didn’t really know each other. Over the past 15 years, we connected on FB through mutual friends we had. We DM’d quite a bit over the past 15 years. We spoke about sports, music, and most importantly, our families. He loved his daughters, and reached out while his daughter was serving a mission, asking to send some words of encouragement to her. When my son was on his mission, Sonny reached out asking for his address. He knew my son played the guitar, and he sent him an Eddie Van Halen guitar pick. That’s the kind of guy he was. I’m so glad I had the opportunity to get to know him through these online conversations. He reached out about a year ago, and said if I could make it down to AZ, there was a band we both liked playing. I wasn’t able to make the trip, but really appreciated that he made the offer. I’ll hold the different conversations about what was important in life. I reached out to him about 10 days before he passed, and he wasn’t sure what the issue was he was dealing with. But he remained positive and optimistic, and like always, had a compliment to pay me, even as sick as he was. That’s who he was. Rest well my friend, I’ll miss our chats.