Janis E. Sommers, 83, of Sechen Dr., Portersville (Muddy Creek Twp.) peacefully passed away surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, February 4, 2018 at the VNA Hospice in Butler following an extended illness.
Born March 21, 1934 in New Brighton, she was the daughter of the late John E and Ruth Ayers Hawthorne. Janis was married for 63 years to Henry G. Sommers who survives.
Janis graduated from Beaver Falls High School and was a member of the Portersville Presbyterian Church. She was the Kitchen Manager at Seneca Hills Bible Camp where she trained the cooks and staff who hold her in the greatest regard to this day. Janis was an accomplished seamstress and enjoyed camping. Her most cherished time was spent with her grandchildren.
In addition to her husband, survivors include two sons, Thomas H. (Susan) Sommers of Ellwood City, David J. (Jane) Sommers of Edmonton, Alberta Canada; two daughters, Barbara (Pete) Christopher of Ellwood City, Susan (David) Marcyjanik of Portersville; ten grandchildren, and two great granddaughters.
She was preceded in death by siblings, Carolyn and Jack Hawthorne.
Friends and family will be received on Wednesday, February 7 at the Portersville Presbyterian Church from 3 until the time of the funeral service at 6 pm. Her pastor, Rev. Dana Opp will officiate. A time of fellowship will follow at the church.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Portersville Presbyterian Church or the Seneca Hills Bible Camp.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Marshall Funeral Home, Ellwood City. Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com.
To Henry and family
You have our deepest sympathy in the passing of Janis..We had great meals at Seneca Hills for many years
“She was the Kitchen Manager at Seneca Hills Bible Camp where she trained the cooks and staff who hold her in the greatest regard to this day” – a very true statement. Janis has always been dear to my heart and I look forward to seeing her again.
I am so sorry for your loss. I am praying that the Lord gives you strength and peace.
Our condolences to all of you. Janis was a lovely, giving person who made life fun for all of us.
Oh, the memories I have of Janis! So many fun times when growing up, and she took the neighborhood kids into your house to play a crazy round of cards. Or playing four square while simultaneously making home made ice cream! That always spurred me on to be more competitive, because I didn’t want to have to stand there and crank the ice cream maker. Your garage was the “jail” for our evening games of ghost more times than I can count! And, Barb, you were one of my best friends for so many years. Your family will always have a special place in my heart and my memories. Smile with the knowledge that your mom may be physically gone, but she will remain in the hearts of many, many people.
To Henry, David, Susan, and the rest of the family,
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
What a wonderful experience to have worked with them at Seneca Hills. I fondly remember Janis’ wonderful smile, laugh, and love for everyone around her. She has been a blessing to so many people in so many ways.
May God’s peace and promises be with you now, until we see her again.