Stella Rose Somers

Stella Rose (Hendges) Somers Stella Rose (nee Hendges) Somers, 93, went home into the loving presence of Jesus on Friday, September 10, 2010, surrounded by her family and accompanied by their prayers and songs and joy. Born March 21, 1917, in Traverse City, MI, to John and Rose Hendges, Stella grew up in Lansing, MI, where she graduated from Lansing Central High School. She married Arthur Jacob Somers on February 7, 1947, and her primary vocation was as loving wife and mother of Cecilia, Patricia, and Gary. After her husband's unexpected death in 1957, she attended East Lansing Trinity Church, which became a spiritual home for the young widow and her three children. Stella's love for Jesus was the strength and light of the rest of her long life. In addition to being a homemaker, she also worked several secretarial jobs, eventually retiring from her job at Michigan State University in 1983. Shortly after that, she moved to Essex, MA, to live with her son, Gary, and his wife and family. She was a loving mother-in-law and grandmother in their household. She was also an active member of North Shore Community Baptist Church. In 1995, the whole family moved to Phoenix. Stella joined Desert Springs Bible Church, where she made many friends and was much beloved. In 2007, she moved into Bethesda Gardens Assisted Living, enjoying her lovely apartment and participating in many of the activities for residents. All her life, Stella blessed her family and friends with her gentle spirit of love, thoughtfulness, and great faith. She always became a favorite, special person wherever she went. Stella is survived by her children, Cecilia (husband Woody), Dr. Patricia, and Dr. Gary (wife Gayle); her grandchildren, Dr. Susan Somers-Willett (husband Ernie Cline), Geneva (fiancé Eric), Gary Arthur, and Leah (fiancé Tyler); her only great-grandchild, Libby; her sister-in-law, Margaret Hendges; nephew, Ken; and niece, Lois Ann (husband Gerry). In death she joins her beloved husband, Arthur; son, Alan; brother, Charlie; and son-in-law, Mark Willett. A memorial celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, September 18, 2010, 1:30 p.m. at Bethesda Gardens Assisted Living, 13825 North Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, 85022. Interment at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery will be a private family ceremony. Donations can be made to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation www.bcrf.org in recognition of Stella's status as a forty-year survivor.