Edna Sommars

Dateline:  Godfrey, ILEdna Marie Sommars, 84, of Godfrey, passed away on Thursday evening, March 17, 2016 at Alton Memorial Hospital in Alton, surrounded by her loving family.  Born in Mounds, Illinois on October 20, 1931, she is the daughter of the late Lee and Betty Griffin.  She married Louis Sommars on February 4, 1950.  Edna received her Bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville while raising five children.  She was a fourth grade teacher at St. Ambrose School in Godfrey for twenty one years and substituted for eight years.  In 1992, she was selected for Who’s Who among America’s Teachers. She truly loved teaching and enjoyed seeing her many former students succeed in life.  Edna started the first K.C. Ladies Auxiliary in Godfrey.  Besides her husband she is survived by her children, Donna of Edwardsville, Wayne (Cathy) of Albuquerque, Patty Goeke (Tony) of Ballwin, Mike (Trena) of Foristell, and Teresa Kaczmarek (Gary) of Wentzville, and  grandchildren; Nicholas, Lauren, Zachary, Alexander, and Hannah who  were her pride and joy.  Florence Griffin of Alton was her dearest friend and sister- in -law, she is also survived by a brother- in- law; Melvin Thornhill, and numerous nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by one infant daughter, Mary Ann.  Visitation will be from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Monday, March 21, 2016 at Gent Funeral Home in Alton.   A Mass of Christian burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 22, 2016 at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Godfrey with Father Steve Pohlman to officiate.  Burial will be at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Godfrey.  In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN.  Additional information and online guestbook may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com  

Obit Provided By:
Gent Funeral Home