Fredith Violet Easton, 96, of Traverse City passed away Monday, February 19, 2018 at French Manor Senior Living surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on May 9, 1921 to Frank and Violet (Ostrander) Hawkins in Onaway, MI. She worked as a telephone operator for MI Bell for many years. Fredith married Clifford Raymond Somerville in 1941 and together they raised one son and three daughters. Clifford passed away in 1979. Fredith found love again in Reverend Walter Easton and the two were married in September 1987 and shortly thereafter she moved to Reed City. Fredith and Walter shared four wonderful years of marriage before his unexpected death on January 11, 1991. Fredith remained in Reed City until October 2017 when she moved back to the Traverse City area to be closer to her daughters and grandchildren.

Fredith will be remembered for her love and support of her family. She was a member of the Ogdensburg United Methodist Church and the Reed City United Methodist Church. She was involved with the lady's societies at the churches; she was a lay witness preacher, taught Sunday school for 50 years and also belonged to the American Legion. Fredith Was a talented crafter. She enjoyed to knit, crochet and was a master quilter. She loved playing the accordion in church, for her family and in a kitchen band. She was one heck of a cook.

She is survived by her daughters Terilee Johnson and Susan (Eldon) Melosh; Step-Son Ervin and Step-daughter Donna Meninga; granddaughter Heatherlyn (Cory) Reamer; grandson Edward Melosh; and great grandchildren Emmalyn, James, McKenzie and Zachary.

She was preceded in death by her husbands Clifford Somerville and Rev. Walter Easton; her parents Frank and Violet (Ostrander) Hawkins; son Gary Somerville; daughter Debra Somerville; sisters Dorothy Neddo and Eva Hawkins; and brother Raymond Hawkins.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 3, 2018 at 11 a.m. at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m.

Those wishing an expression of sympathy are encouraged to direct contributions to the Peninsula Community Library Building Fund, 2699 Island View Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686.