Ruth Cecilia Sommer

Ruth Cecilia Sommer, 86, a sixty-five year resident of Fredonia, Kansas, previously of Wichita, Kansas, died Tuesday, May 10, 2011 at Fredonia Regional Hospital. She was born September 5, 1924 in Kansas City, Kansas, the daughter of Herman F. and Cecilia C. (Meyer) Hobelman. Ruth was a graduate of Cathedral High School in Wichita, as well as a graduate of the Wichita Business College. Following college, she was a bookkeeper for Continental Trailways in Wichita for several years. On January 8, 1946, at St. Mary"s Cathedral in Wichita, Ruth married Harry P. Sommer. Following their marriage, the Sommer"s purchased and operated a farm near Fredonia for many years. Ruth was very active in the farming business, driving grain trucks and gathering cattle to help Harry manage the farm. They later moved into Fredonia where Ruth was a homemaker and active mother of four sons. Harry preceded Ruth in death June 10, 1993. Ruth was a member of the Sacred Heart Church, Sacred Heart Altar Society, Coffeyville Deanery of Catholic Women, Verdigris Valley and Friendly Farm Units, Sacred Heart Quilters and Friends, Democratic Women"s Club, and served on the Wilson County Election Board. One of Ruth"s favorite activities was quilting. She quilted in several groups, but also made many beautiful quilts on her own and shared them with all of her family. Her survivors include: Four sons and daughter-in-laws: Michael P. and Mary Sommer of Neodesha, KS Patrick A. and Debbie Sommer of Altoona, KS Joseph W. and Sue Sommer of Fredonia, KS Paul E. and Mary Sue Sommer of Fredonia, KS Two sisters: Wilda Kreutzer of Alton, MO Muriel Serdynski of Manahawkin, NJ Eight grandchildren; two step grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and five step great- grandchildren. Her parents Herman and Cecilia; husband, Harry; brother and sister-in-law, Delburt and Margaret Hobelman; and brother-in-law, Alfred Kreutzer, preceded her in death. A rosary will be said on Friday evening, May 13, 2011 at 7:00 P.M. at the Sacred Heart Church. The family will receive friends at the church on Friday, 6:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M., prior to the rosary. Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, May 14 2011 at the Sacred Heart Church with Father Stephen Thapwa and Deacon Jeremy Huser officiating. Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery. A memorial has been established in Ruth"s name with the Sacred Heart Church and donations can be sent to Timmons Funeral Home. Words of condolence for the family may be written on this website. Timmons Funeral Home, PO Box 168, Fredonia, KS 66736 is in charge of the arrangements.