This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: RonColby41 Surnames: Colby, Somers, Glass Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/surnames.colby/1255/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Orvilla M. "Billie" SOMERS Of Kalamazoo Went home to be with her Lord on Monday, December 7, 2009. Orvilla was born July 31, 1921, in Dexter, Michigan, the daughter of Grover and Clarabel (Glass) Colby. She was a 1943 graduate of Bronson School of Nursing as a Registered Nurse and joined the Army Nurse Corps as a Lieutenant in 1944, serving in England, France and Germany. In 1946, she was united in marriage to Robert G. Somers. Orvilla and Robert were part of the original group who help start Southridge Reformed Church, where she was a longtime member; she had volunteered for American Red Cross for 40 years, working on Blood Drives, disaster work, etc.; also volunteered at Bronson Hospital for 20 years and was a member of the Alumni Association of Bronson Hospital. Orvilla enjoyed reading; participating with the Y Arthritis Swim Group; but most of all loved spending time with her grandchildren. Surviving are her husband, Robert G. Somers of Kalamazoo; two daughters, Carole (Hank) Apotheker of Kalamazoo and Patricia Rose of Portage; a son, Douglas (Norma) Somers of Coloma; grandchildren, Cindy (Jason) Wilkinson, Dan (Lisa) Apotheker, Pam (Dan) Tkachuk, Kathryn Rose, Brian (Lindsey) Somers, Laura Somers; two great-grandchildren, Zachary Apotheker and Lydia Wilkinson; three sisters, Lucille Nelson, Bessie Bongiovanni and Esther Bongiovanni; nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Grover Colby, Jr. and a sister, Doris Throne. A Memorial Service will be held 11:00 AM Wednesday, December 23, 2009 at Southridge Reformed Church, Texas Drive with Pastor Becky Ringler officiating. A private family interment will be held in Riverside Cemetery. Memorials in Orvilla's memory may be directed to Southridge Reformed Church. Arrangements by Langeland Family Funeral Homes. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.