Valerie D. Sommers

Valerie Darlene Sommers, age 84, of Neebish Island, Michigan passed away surrounded by her family at McKinley Manor on Saturday, January 13, 2018.

Val was born on October 2, 1933 in Whiteford, Michigan the daughter of the late Jason and Edna (VanNest) La Mont. She graduated from Delta High School with the class of 1951. On May 28, 1954, she married Raymond Sommers Jr. at her parents home in Delta, Ohio. For many years Val ran a bakery out of her home and was a terrific cake decorator. Later she added to her schedule by working as a crossing guard for the Wauseon Police Dept. and was stationed at Elm Street School. Continuing to think about the safety of children, she designed the first ever “Safetypup” costume for which she obtained two patents for puppet mouth construction. After the design, she was hired by the National Child Safety Council in Jackson, Michigan to be in charge of the manufacturing of the costumes. She loved creating costumes and the Sommers’ bunny Litter, each one outfitted in their uniquely designed bunny suit, visited the nursing homes at Easter to bring goodies and smiles to the residents. Later she and Raymond retired to Neebish Island. Val enjoyed cooking, knitting, and spending time with her grandkids and great-grandkids. She also enjoyed having her friends over for coffee and hosting the yearly Hunter’s Dinner.

Val is survived by her husband: Raymond Sommers; three sons: Keith (Yvonne) Sommers of Pettisville, OH, Michael (Patricia) Sommers of Wapakoneta, OH, and Brad (Vicki) Sommers of Sault Ste. Marie, MI; 11 grandchildren: Tom, Tyler, Tad, Britt, David, Kylee, Brandy, Alicia, Kyle, Craig, and Courtney; and 15 great-grandchildren.

Val was preceded in death by her parents, a son: Scott David Sommers and grandchild: Nicholas Joel Sommers.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, January 18, 2018 at C.S. Mulder Funeral Home with Pastor Brooks Sayer officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home from 12:00 noon until the time of the service.

A graveside service will be held at Wauseon Union Cemetery in Wauseon, Ohio on Saturday, January 20, 2018 at 11:00 AM.

 Service Information