Dakota James Somnis

Our beloved son, grandson, brother, nephew and cousin, Dakota James Somnis died unexpectedly at his home early morning on the Sabbath of Sunday, December 30, 2012. He was 15 years old. Kota Son, as he was affectionately known, was born on June 14, 1997 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona to his mother, the late Jennifer Marie Somnis. He was born 3 months early, weighing 3 pounds 7 ounces and was 14 inches long. He was small in stature throughout his life but was blessed with an incredible fighting spirit. He had a weak heart since birth which included a severe heart murmur that prevented him from playing very strenuous sports. He always wished he could play football, as that was one of his favorite sports to watch. Though he was limited with his physical activities, with whatever else he was able to do, he always excelled! Dakota was always willing to try new stuff and was always up to facing any challenge. He welcomed any opportunity to develop and improve his skills and talents. Dakota was a gifted artist and especially enjoyed doing pencil sketches and drawings. His creations are now considered to be priceless treasures to his family and friends and will forever be cherished by them. Another one of Kota Son's skills came from having his very own sewing machine. He loved to sew and specialized in designing and making his own scarves to give as gifts. The scarves he made were always beautiful and unique and those who received them from him always appreciated his thoughtful gesture. Dakota also loved spending a lot of time out doors. He loved to go fishing at any of his favorite fishing holes; a love he learned from his great-grandmother, JoAnn Sotak. Too, Dakota got a great thrill riding his bike. He never minded showing off his biking prowess as he was popping wheelies and doing his 360's on it! Bubba Nick would regularly help him with his biking skills and, together, they always had a great time. Dakota was also an expert on his skateboards and could draw an audience whenever he rode them at the skate park! Some might consider him a daredevil but he was always willing to help others improve their own skating techniques as he enjoyed teaching them new maneuvers. One of the greatest joys in his life came through practicing Tae-Kwon-Do. He "took to it like a duck would take to water." Dakota was a Tae-Kwon-Do black belt and over the years, he received many trophies from this, his favorite sport. He also was and excellent basketball player and received a trophy from his winning streaks. Dakota loved sports of all kinds and he proved himself to be fearless in whatever he did. Dakota also like to sing and, though he never made a CD, he was teaching himself how to "Rap." His family and friends never tired of listening to him rap. He and his voice will be missed a great deal by them. At the time of his death, Dakota was excited as he was preparing to receive his driver's permit and was looking forward to helping his Grandmamma Cyndi drive with her on her daily errands. Dakota recently was able to get his own car, a 1970 Plymouth Satellite. He and his Uncle Tim were just preparing to start working on the car's interior by completely redoing the car's upholstery. Truly, this gifted young man a had a zeal for life and was looking forward to a bright future with his. His Grandmamma Cyndi will always remember "my Kota Son as the brightest star in my life and, now he winks at us throughout the night." This incredibly dynamic young man will be greatly missed by everyone whom has had the privilege to know him. Dakota was a 9th grader at Jefferson Academy in Show Low and was well-liked by the faculty as well as the entire student body. He will long be remembered for his voice in trying to get prayer and God back into school. He loved the Lord and, exactly 2 weeks before he died, Dakota entered the waters of baptism and became a faithful member of the First Baptist Church of Show Low. Dakota is survived by his large family, whom all love him more than any other including: his Grandmamma Cyndi; 3 brothers: Sean D., Dominick, Zachery; his sister, Raven; 2 aunts: Amanda, Patricia; uncles: Tim Elston, Jeremy Somnis, and many more; godparents: Tim & Kim Elston; his favorite dog, Rebel the pit bull; grandfathers: John H. Cole, Tom Somnis; great-grandmothers: Charlette Nelson, Rosie Somnis and by many cousins. Dakota was preceded in death by: a brother, Dallas; his mother, Jennifer Marie; grandpa, Buddy Nelson and his great-grandmother, JoAnn Sotak. There is one last special message that Dakota wanted to share with the world, especially his family and friends: "To be a true friend to others, and when you see that your friend is in trouble, open your mouth and speak up to those who can help your friend. You are not a narc nor a snitch. You are a hero and you may just save a life. You are the Lord's mouth piece and you will be forever blessed because you are key in caring for, and loving, His precious child. God bless you as you do this and you will be one of His angels on earth." A memorial service for Dakota will begin 2:00 P.M., Saturday, January 12, 2013 at Owens Livingston Mortuary - White Mountain Chapel, 320 N. 9th Street in Show Low, Arizona. Dakota's family is grateful for all of the expressions of sympathy they have received and are especially grateful for all of the prayers offered up on their behalf.