Thelma Somers

Thelma Eleanore Somers was born April 1, 1919, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Edward R.V. and Edith (Johnson) Carlson. She graduated from Omaha Technical High School in 1937 and after her education worked as a housekeeper. She married Frederick D.S. Somers November 7, 1940. After living in several communities in the Midwest they settled in Bellevue, Nebraska. After their divorce in 1962 Thelma continued her education and became an LPN. In 1974, she moved to Los Angeles where she spent her life in Scientology.  In 2002, she moved to Northfield to be near her son.

Thelma was an talented seamstress, cook, gardener and communicator. She instilled in her family a legacy of creativity and a a love of the outdoors.

Survivors include 5 children and their spouses: Fred and Avis Somers of Northfield, Jennie Jo and Joe Murray of Lisbon, New York, Nancy Lowe of Clearwater, Florida, Elizabeth and Richard Cleigh of Mead, Washington, Kimberly and Joe Ryan of Anchorage, Alaska; 18 grandchildren: Micah (Jennifer) Somers, Jessica (Brian) Werner, Cheryl (Gary) Seymour, Steve (Karen) Murray, Christine (Christopher) Guimond, Jeff Murray, Denise (Dave) French, Dawn (Michael) Dietschwelliler, Stacy (Don) Seguin, Shaun Murray, Brek (Oranda) Murray, Kimberly Murray, Joel Murray, Jennifer Lowe, Matthew Lowe, Kristen Cleigh, Ashley Cleigh, Liam Ryan; 19 great-grandchildren; one brother, Ellis R. Carlson of Waterloo, Nebraska; and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Margaret Hallgren.

Thelma passed away Monday afternoon, June 16, 2008, at the Three Links Care Center in Northfield at the age of 89.

Funeral services will be 2:00 P.M. Monday, June 23, 2008, at the Three Links Care Center Chapel with Rev. Fred Herzog officiating. Music will be provided by Elizabeth Cleigh. Interment will be in Valley Grove Cemetery, rural Nerstrand. Visitation will be at the Three Links Chapel one hour prior to the service.

Arrangements are with the Benson & Langehough Funeral Home.