Lois Eileen “Ike” Sommerville
Lois Eileen “Ike” Sommerville, age 97, of Quincy, died on Thursday, February 11, 2021 in Blessing Hospital. She was born on May 7, 1923 in Quincy, the daughter of Harvey Newton and Anna Renetta (Schreiber) Ervin. Ike (Lois) married William “Slim” Sommerville on August 27, 1949 in Luther Memorial Church in Quincy. He preceded her in death on October 23, 2014.
She attended Irving Grade School and graduated from Quincy High School in 1940. Ike (Lois) attended Blessing Hospital School of Nursing graduating in 1944. She was the college nurse at Culver-Stockton College and continued her formal education there. She was a member of Chi Omega Sorority. While at Culver, she met and married William, who was also a student. They then moved to Dwight, IL and after one year, they moved to St. Louis, MO. Ike (Lois) worked for the Veteran’s Administration with the Washington University Group. She and Slim returned to Quincy in 1962.
She obtained her Master’s degree from Western Illinois University. Ike (Lois) was a nursing instructor at Blessing School of Nursing before her retirement. Ike (Lois) and Slim bought the Karamel Korn Shoppe in 1986 and retired from that in 1999. She then worked with Quincy Public Schools in the mentor program and was active in the Diabetes Association.
Ike (Lois) is survived by two sons, Jeffrey Sommerville of Quincy and David Sommerville of Portland, OR and one nephew, Mark (Kim) Carnes of Overland Park, KS.
She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Slim.
Graveside Inurnment on Saturday, May 8th, 2021 at 11:00 AM in Greenmount Cemetery. There will also be a bike ride benefit for Mrs. Sommerville in Portland, OR over the weekend of May 8th. No matter where you live, you can participate. All proceeds from the benefit to be given to the Diabetes Association. Memorials may be made to American Diabetes Association, Quincy Public Schools Mentor Program, Great River Honor Flight or donor’s choice.
Jeff, you & your family have my deepest sympathy in the loss of your Mom, she was a beautiful lady in every way!
I loved having Mrs. Sommerville as a nursing instructor. She showed how compassion and humor can be as important as technical skills in the care of patients. A truly great nursing role model.
Dave and Jeff, please accept my condolence in the passing of your mom. It seems she live a very fulfilling life. May God bless you both to get through these times with grace.
Mrs Sommerville was one of the instructors I had while attending Blessing School of Nursing. I have many fond memories of Ms Sommerville but my favorite was portraying her at a skit our class did at time of graduation. She was a stickler for making sure you were well prepared for anything and searching for needed items was a waste of precious time – she laughed so hard when I appeared on stage with with a bedpans, IV bags, etc dangling from belts, etc. She was a wonderful instructor and I feel blessed to have known her and learned from her vast knowledge. May God grant you and your family strength in the days and weeks ahead. May your memories provide you comfort as well My deepest condolences…
Mrs. Somerville was the best example for all nurses. She was professional and kind, teaching so many how to care for others. Eileen was a good and faithful servant.
Eileen was a beloved part of Vermont Street United Methodist Church. We loved her, and will miss her.