Elizabeth Jean Somers

Elizabeth Jean Somers, daughter of the late Isaac Samuel Arnold and Myrtle Goldie (Clover) Arnold, was born March 4, 1933, in Cherokee, Oklahoma. As a young girl, Jean (as she was known by her family and friends), grew up in western Grove County and graduated from High School in 1951. She furthered her education at Northwestern Oklahoma State University and graduated with the Class of 1954. While in the 4th grade, Jean and her twin sister Joan, gave a Valentine to a new boy in their class by the name of Edwin Frank Somers. They felt sorry for him, but little did Jean know that he would eventually become her husband. Frank and Jean were united in marriage on May 15, 1954, in Cherokee, Oklahoma. They shared over 70 years of marriage together and were blessed with four children: Arlin, Kent, Joetta, and Nancy. Jean taught business in Oklahoma before she and Frank moved to various places throughout their marriage. They lived in Huntsville, AL, Texas, Utah and eventually came to Waynesville, Missouri in 1983 where they decided to settle. In her spare time, Jean enjoyed crocheting and giving away different items she had made to family and friends. Most importantly, she treasured time spent with her family, especially the grandchildren. She loved them dearly and was proud of each and every one of them. You could find her and Frank at different sporting events and cheering on their grandchildren. Early in her life, Jean made a profession of faith and after moving to Waynesville, she and Frank began attending Deerlick Baptist Church. She loved her church family, and they were very active until their health began to decline. Jean went home to be with her Lord on Thursday, January 2, 2025, in Mercy Hospital of Springfield, Missouri having attained the age of 91 years. She will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved her. She leaves to cherish her memory, her husband: Frank Somers of the home; four children: Arlin Somers of Springfield, MO, Kent Somers (Paula) of Glendale, AZ, Joetta Hendrix (Rod) of Laquey, MO, and Nancy Ward (Doug) of Marshfield, MO; eight grandchildren: Andrew Somers (Rebecca) of Phoenix, AZ, Logan Somers (Brittany) of Pooler, GA, Chandler Mitchell (Alex) of Phoenix, AZ, Jesse Hendrix (Amber) of Richland, MO, Tristan Hendrix (Jessica) of Laquey, MO, Ryan Ward (Lindsay) of St. Peters, MO, Wyatt Ward of Marshfield, MO, and Peyton Ward of Marshfield, MO; five great grandchildren: Adrienne, Ivy, Milo, Luna, and Jack; two sisters: Joan (PRONOUNCED: JO ANN) Sawyer (Wayne) of Valley Center, KS, and Leola Rash of Lamont, OK; several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to her parents Jean was preceded in death by five siblings: twins Louis and Viola, sisters Ruth Arnold and Evalynn Hobbs, and brother Ike Arnold. Even though she is gone from our sight, Jean’s faith and love for her family will live on in our hearts forever. Funeral services were held at 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 7, 2025 in the Deerlick Baptist Church of Waynesville, Missouri with Pastor Danny Graves and Pastor Calvin Gladden officiating. Jean's sons, Arlin Somers and Kent Somers, along with one of Jean's grandsons, recalled their wonderful memories of their mother and grandmother. Soloist Becky Lercher sang "How Great Thou Art", "Amazing Grace" and "Sheltered in the Arms of God". Serving as escorts were Tristan Hendrix, Arlin Somers, Ryan Ward, Wyatt Ward, Andrew Somers, and Dan Hobbs. Serving as honorary escorts were Kent Somers, Rod Hendrix, Doug Ward, Dale Hobbs, Gary Sawyer, and Max McDermott. Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, January 10, 2025 in the Hawley Cemetery of Nash, Oklahoma with Pastor Danny Graves officiating. Services were under the care and direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert.

Elizabeth Jean Somers

March 4, 1933 - January 2, 2025