Darlene Lillian Sommerville, 84 of Grawn (formerly Plymouth) passed away May 14, 2019. Darlene was born October 8, 1934 and raised in Boyne City to parents Norman and Viola (Weeks) Colley.
Darlene and her beloved husband Max of 66 years raised their family in the Plymouth area. After retirement they moved to the Traverse City area. They enjoyed many fond memories on Duck Lake, spending countless hours on the pontoon boat. Darlene loved to fish on duck lake, but was not one to bait a hook-that is what her husband and kids were for.
Overall she was a quiet person, but there was no greater support system than Darlene. Regardless of the cause or event, Darlene would be in attendance showing support to her children and grandchildren. She was a thoughtful, neighborly woman. She was also a member of the Plymouth garden club. Darlene loved her travels to both Hilton Head, South Carolina and Jekyll Island, Georgia with a group of their wartime friends and their spouses, dubbed the "Hoosiers."
Darlene is survived by her husband Max Sommerville, children Kristi (Gary) Hogeboom and Joni Sommerville; grandchildren Heidi (Kyle) Kleersnyder, Jake (Kelsey) Hogeboom, Kasi (Nadeem) Gebrael, Jami, Sherrie, Tim, and Todd; great-grandchildren Bria, Taya, Boden, Jordyn, Hobie, Cory, Ryan, Mason, Nathan, Teagan and Tayia; many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and very dear friends.
Darlene was preceded in death by her parents; son Scott Sommerville; brother Harry Colley; and best friend since Kindergarten, Janet Boring.
A memorial gathering celebrating Darlene's life will take place Saturday, June 8, from 3PM-5PM, at Kensington Church, 6880 Secor Road, Traverse City, MI 49685.
Darlene's family deeply thanks Munson Healthcare's palliative care team for their respect and kindness towards them.
Memorials may be directed to The Great Cycle Challenge c/o Joni Sommerville (riding to fight kids cancer, donations go to the Children's Cancer Research Fund). You may donate online:
https://greatcyclechallenge.com/riders/jonisommerville
or send contributions to 635 E. Eighth Street, Traverse City, MI 49686.
Darlene and her family are being cared for by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com