Oct. 18, 1909 - Nov. 9, 2009

GOSHEN -- Thelma J. Sommers, 100, of The Courtyard in Goshen, formerly of Middlebury, Elkhart and Adrian, Mich., died Monday (Nov. 9, 2009) in Goshen General Hospital.

She was born Oct. 18, 1909, in Churubusco to Charles B. and Lena (Nihiser) Johnson. She married Walter R. Sommers, a pastor, on May 7, 1927; he preceded her in death May 30, 1988. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Edward L., Hugh, Charles B. and Elmer Johnson.

Mrs. Sommers is survived by two sons, Ray B. (Katie) Sommers of Fort Wayne and Dean D. (Carol) Sommers of Columbia, S.C.; two daughters, Betty Bandy of Goshen and Roma L. (Leonard) Fogelsong of Tecumseh, Mich.; 11 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; 22 great-great-grandchildren; and one great-great-great-granddaughter.

Mrs. Sommers served with her husband for 28 years in the United Brethren Church, retiring in 1972. She was a member of the Clearview United Brethren Church, Goshen, and the Middlebury Church of the Brethren. She was a member of the Elkhart Home Economics Club and the Friendly Pioneers, and volunteered at the Midwest Museum of American Art, Elkhart.

Every year for the past 17 years, until her eyesight started to fail, Mrs. Sommers read the entire Bible. She attended Bristol High School.

Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. Thursday and one hour prior to Friday's 11 a.m. funeral service at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St. Pastor Hubert Schmucker of Clearview United Brethren Church will officiate. Burial will follow in Zion Cemetery, Bristol.

Memorials may be given to Clearview United Brethren Church, 67622 U.S. 33, Goshen, IN 46526. Visit www.billingsfuneralhome.com to send online condolences.