Jane and Wesley Sommers

In Loving Memory Jane Ellen Brown Sommers May 18, 1931 - October 19, 2008 Wesley Earl Sommers February 8, 1931 - Dec. 4, 2014 Jane Ellen Brown was born on May 18, 1931, the youngest daughter of Thomas and Alta Brown. Fourteen years younger than her sister Lois, Jane's mother affectionately referred to her as "our little afterthought". She grew up in Tacoma, Washington where she attended Stadium High School, graduating in 1949. Jane followed in her brother Tom's footsteps and chose a career in teaching, receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree from Whitman College. Wesley Earl Sommers was born February 8, 1931, in Vallejo, California. An only child, he was sent to live with his grandmother in West Yellowstone, Montana during the war as a safety precaution. His parents, Clara and Melvin Sommers joined him a few years later opening and operating The Horseshoe Café. After graduating from Gallatin County High School, Wes enlisted in the Army, and served two years. He then started his college career at Montana State University. Wes and Jane met while students at MSU. They were married on December 16, 1954. Together they shared a love of cats, classical music and opera, good food and the pursuit of higher education. After receiving their Masters degrees they traveled to Paris where they lived for six months. This experience left them both with a deep love of France and many stories of their adventures there and back. Upon returning to the US they enrolled at the University of Washington in pursuit of their Doctorate degrees. In 1962 Wes and Jane moved to Corvallis, Oregon where their two daughters were born. Subsequent moves took the family to Bozeman, Montana and then Eugene, Oregon where they both completed their Doctorate degrees. In 1973 a move to Seattle, Washington landed the family on Queen Anne Hill where they stayed until after both girls graduated high school. Staying true to their history of not staying in one place too long, over the next 25 years Wes and Jane lived in Magnolia, Granite Falls, Washington and finally Everett. Jane worked for the Bellevue School District, teaching English at Interlake High School where she made many lifelong friends. After she retired, Jane continued to teach as a volunteer at the Lifetime Learning Center. Her students loved her for her creativity in the classroom (the life and works of Shakespeare was a common theme). A truly compassionate woman, Jane was loved and respected by friends and family. She was a loving Mother and Grandmother who always put her family first. There were many picnics, ocean trips, and family vacations over the years that left us all with wonderful memories. A sudden stroke on October 19, 2008 took Jane's life way before any of us were ready to lose her. Wes was a self-described mountain man. He loved telling stories about his childhood in Montana, Yellowstone Park, and anything to do with Grizzly Bears. These stories were based in truth but they always grew with the telling! His career led him to writing technical manuals for local Banks, but in his heart he was a writer. He left behind many manuscripts that will always keep his stories alive. After his retirement, Wes volunteered his time at Discovery Park working as a crew leader clearing the trails for visitors. Wes is fondly remembered by family and friends as a devoted husband and a lover of nature. Alzheimer's stole Wes's last few years. He passed away December 4, 2014 after a brief illness. His family wants to thank his wonderful caregivers at The Cottages at Marysville; they took excellent care of him and made him happy. Wes and Jane leave behind daughters, Maggie (Mike) Boyd and Sarah (Casey) Bowne; grandsons, Jake (Sirena) and Devin and great grandson, Asher. Jane's ashes were scattered on the beach at Ebby's Landing on Whidbey Island. Wes's ashes will be scattered both in Yellowstone Park and with Jane on Whidbey Island. Per Wes's wishes there will be no formal services. A family gathering will be held at a later date.