Barbara Somers

Somers, Barbara (Heinsohn), passed away on December 6, 2011 at Larksfield Place in Wichita where she has resided since January. She was the daughter of Edwin and Elizabeth Heinsohn and was born on June 7, 1924 in Delmar, NY. She earned a degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Kansas and married Dr. Marvin M. Somers in 1946. She was the daughter-in-law of Roy and Jesse "Fern" Somers; and sister-in-law of Warren and Ellen Somers, of Conway Springs. In 1952, Barbara and Marvin joined the University United Methodist Church and that affiliation was central in their lives to the present day. Barbara was an active member in the Women's Society and acted as financial secretary for the church for many years. Together with her husband, Barbara was active in community service. Over a span of fifty years and continuing until very recently, she opened her home to foster children, unwed pregnant mothers and later foreign exchange students. Through those many years, she was affectionately called "Mom" by a multitude of individuals. A woman of strong faith, Barbara demonstrated a lifelong dedication to serving her family, her community and her church. She will be deeply missed by many who benefited from her loving care. Barbara is survived by her husband Marvin of Wichita; a daughter, Anne Fojtasek and her husband Norman of Kapaau, HI; a son, Stanley and his wife Sadie of Oroville, WA; another son, Mark and his wife Petra of Mesa, AZ; eight grandchildren: Ananda Fojtasek, Sebrina Somers-Mann, Sarah Somers-Humphrey, Simon Somers, Suzanne Somers, Jeff Wolfe, Eric Wolfe and Mark Wolfe; seven great-grandchildren and two sisters, Judith Guinn of Eugene, OR and Meredith Austin who is presently living in Cambodia. She was preceded in death by a daughter Barbara Wolfe and son Robert Somers. Funeral services will be held at University United Methodist Church on Monday, December 12, 2011 at 10 am. Private interment will take place at Conway Springs Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to University United Methodist Church.