Obituary of Sherrill G. Sommer

Sherrill G. Sommer – a cherished and most beloved wife, mother and grandmother — passed away peacefully from this life to Life-Everlasting on Thursday, April 9, 2015. She was 81. Sherrill was born June 25, 1933, in Sioux City, Iowa, to Merle and Verleine Cherry. The family lived for a brief period in Nebraska, later moving to Monrovia, California, where they would reside until after the end of World War II. During her childhood, Sherrill would return with her parents to Nebraska for summer visits with grandparents on their family farms. She often spoke fondly of those visits, especially spending time with her Grandpa Cherry and being treated to Blackjack gum. As a young girl growing up in California, Sherrill enjoyed playing tennis, swimming with friends, hunting and fishing with her folks. Shortly after the end of World War II, Sherrill and her family would begin a new life adventure in Idaho when the Cherrys moved to Twin Falls. Once the family settled into the area, Sherrill finished high school and met the man who would become the love of her life. And on August 5, 1951, Sherrill married her best friend and soul mate William G. Sommer. Together for over 62 years, Sherrill and Bill built a rich and loving home; raising and inspiring their five children and grandchildren to come. Having been raised an only child, family was especially important to Sherrill and she looked forward to the arrival of each new child. She created a warm, loving home filled with joy, laughter and music. It was not unusual to find Sherrill at the piano playing and singing her favorite hymns. She also enjoyed expressing her creative nature through gardening, painting and photography. Along with a great love for her family, Sherrill had a very deep love for the Lord that continued to grow richer and more vibrant over the years. Salvation in Jesus and God’s infinite mercy and grace were very precious to her. Throughout the years, Sherrill and Bill often opened their home for various Bible study groups, and on occasion welcomed members of visiting Christian youth choirs to stay in their home. Sherrill is preceded in death by her beloved husband William G. Sommer; her parents Merle K. and Verleine M. Cherry; her parents-in-law John G. and Louise M. Sommer; and brothers- and sister-in-law John Allen, Eugene Griff, Ray Woolridge, and Elmer J. and Jeanne Sommer. She is survived by her five children: Michael W. Sommer, Susan K. Anderson (Chris Anderson), Lisa L. Sommer, Scott E. Sommer and Shelley J. Hatch (Butch Hatch), 21 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren. Sherrill is also survived by her sisters-in-law Gladys Allen, Dorothy Woolridge and Betty Griff. A celebration of life in Sherrill’s memory will be held Friday, April 17, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. at Amazing Grace Fellowship. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, gift donations be made to Amazing Grace Fellowship Missions’ Fund: 1061 Eastland Dr. N., Twin Falls, Idaho 83301. Arrangements are under the direction of Rosenau Funeral Home.