Jan. 2, 1920 - Aug. 19, 2013

ELKHART — Elma L. Sommers, 93, of Elkhart, passed away Monday morning, Aug. 19, 2013, at Elkhart Hospice House.

Elma was born on Jan. 2, 1920, in Middlebury. She was the oldest daughter of the late Charles and Eva (King) Berkey's children.

On July 24, 1937, she married Archie Sommers in Bristol. He passed away on April 14, 1989.

Surviving are her children, Ivamae (John) Hawley of Columbus, Ohio, and Helen Sylvester of South Bend; sons Dale (Joyce) Sommers of Osceola and Wayne (Riena) Sommers of Elkhart; 11 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren as well as sisters Rosemary Stoner and Viola Bloomingdale, both of Elkhart.

In addition to her parents and husband, brothers Paul and Leslie Berkey and a sister, Vera Swihart, preceded Elma in death.

Elma lived a long and blessed life. She worked at C.G. Conn for many years, and was a longtime member of Calvary Assembly of God Church. She also volunteered at The Harvest Basket and was a member of Friendly Pioneers. She enjoyed crocheting and quilting, and spending time with her children and grandchildren.

A gathering of family and friends will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 22, 2013, at Billings Funeral Home. Funeral services for Elma will begin at 1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23, 2013, with visitation for one hour prior at Calvary Assembly of God Church, 1010 E. Mishawaka Road, Elkhart. Pastor Brian Whidden will officiate. Burial will follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.

If friends so desire, memorials may be given to the African Well Project at the church. Online condolences may be made at www.billingsfuneralhome.com.

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