REITA WINONA (NEWTON) SOMMERFELDT loving wife of the late Winslow B. Sommerfeldt was born March 25, 1925 in Cardston, passed away peacefully at Lee Crest Lodge January 15, in Cardston at the age of 97.
She is survived by son’s Will (Karen Walker) Sommerfeldt, Doug (Sharon) Sommerfeldt, Boyd (Carole Pierce) Sommerfeldt, Ken (Wendy Jensen) Sommerfeldt; daughter in law Jesse Gregson Sommerfeldt, 19 grandchildren, 66 Great Grandchildren, and 8 Great Great Grandchildren. Sister’s Thea Perrier, and Peggy Sloan, and sisters in law Noreen Newton and Gerry Newton.
She was predeceased by her parents Lawrence and Virgean Newton, Son Ronald (Jesse) Sommerfeldt, daughter in law Marya (Will) Cook Sommerfeldt, 3 toddler siblings, Howard, Marilyn and Shirley Newton, and 3 brothers, Wallace (Noreen), Donald (Colleen) and Lloyd (Gerry) Newton.
Like many in her generation, her childhood was during a time of poverty and struggle. Her experience was one of sharing and service. There was only one bicycle to be shared between three, and their close family activities occurred in a very modest and small home. During her teen years, both her parents came down with tuberculosis, and had to be quarantined for over a year away from the family. She and her siblings, were farmed out to various family members. When this was over, Reita was on her way to independence, and the family was not physically reunited again. She met the love of her life, Winslow Sommerfeldt at a dance, and they were married on October 12, 1944 in the Cardston Alberta Temple. Reita was heard to say that she would never marry a farmer, but she overcame this and was a dutiful farmers wife sharing in the many arduous chores and work associated with life without power, water, or indoor plumbing. To this union were born five sons: Willard, Ronald, Douglas, Boyd, and Kenneth. In 1955, the Sommerfeldt’s sold their farms and acquired Central Service, GM dealership in Cardston. It was a successful business, and Reita spent much of her adult life as a bookkeeper. In 1969, the family moved to Nelson B.C. where they ran another GM dealership until moving to Lethbridge in 1972. The circle was completed in 1974 when Mom and Dad returned to Central Service until their retirement in 1987.
Wonderful family memories were developed usually where there was water and sunshine. Echo Lake became a generational gathering spot for the family. In their retirement, Mom and Dad also acquired property in Desert Hot Springs where they enjoyed the warmth in the winter. Mom had a forgiving spirit, and a wonderful sense of humor, and she always found a way to brighten our experiences.
Mom and Dad were always active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serving in many positions including 2 Full time Missions and many years as Temple Workers.
Her love of music was deep in her DNA, and she thrilled to hear, sing, and dance without inhibition. Reita and Winslow were exceptional dancers, and if there was a live band there is a good chance they could be found “cuttin it up” with close friends. In her later years, as performers came to the Chinook, or Lee Crest Lodges, she would jump out of her chair and start dancing. Family, and the gospel of Jesus Christ were at the core of all she desired, taught, and hoped for. We celebrate a life well lived, and a legacy firmly established.
The Funeral Service will be held on Friday, January 20th, at 1:00 pm at the Cardston Alberta West Stake Center (846 -1 Ave West), Cardston, AB. Friends may meet the family from 12:00 - 12:45 pm. prior to the service. Interment to follow in the Cardston Cemetery.
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She is survived by son’s Will (Karen Walker) Sommerfeldt, Doug (Sharon) Sommerfeldt, Boyd (Carole Pierce) Sommerfeldt, Ken (Wendy Jensen) Sommerfeldt; daughter in law Jesse Gregson Sommerfeldt, 19 grandchildren, 66 Great Grandchildren, and 8 Great Great Grandchildren. Sister’s Thea Perrier, and Peggy Sloan, and sisters in law Noreen Newton and Gerry Newton.
She was predeceased by her parents Lawrence and Virgean Newton, Son Ronald (Jesse) Sommerfeldt, daughter in law Marya (Will) Cook Sommerfeldt, 3 toddler siblings, Howard, Marilyn and Shirley Newton, and 3 brothers, Wallace (Noreen), Donald (Colleen) and Lloyd (Gerry) Newton.
Like many in her generation, her childhood was during a time of poverty and struggle. Her experience was one of sharing and service. There was only one bicycle to be shared between three, and their close family activities occurred in a very modest and small home. During her teen years, both her parents came down with tuberculosis, and had to be quarantined for over a year away from the family. She and her siblings, were farmed out to various family members. When this was over, Reita was on her way to independence, and the family was not physically reunited again. She met the love of her life, Winslow Sommerfeldt at a dance, and they were married on October 12, 1944 in the Cardston Alberta Temple. Reita was heard to say that she would never marry a farmer, but she overcame this and was a dutiful farmers wife sharing in the many arduous chores and work associated with life without power, water, or indoor plumbing. To this union were born five sons: Willard, Ronald, Douglas, Boyd, and Kenneth. In 1955, the Sommerfeldt’s sold their farms and acquired Central Service, GM dealership in Cardston. It was a successful business, and Reita spent much of her adult life as a bookkeeper. In 1969, the family moved to Nelson B.C. where they ran another GM dealership until moving to Lethbridge in 1972. The circle was completed in 1974 when Mom and Dad returned to Central Service until their retirement in 1987.
Wonderful family memories were developed usually where there was water and sunshine. Echo Lake became a generational gathering spot for the family. In their retirement, Mom and Dad also acquired property in Desert Hot Springs where they enjoyed the warmth in the winter. Mom had a forgiving spirit, and a wonderful sense of humor, and she always found a way to brighten our experiences.
Mom and Dad were always active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serving in many positions including 2 Full time Missions and many years as Temple Workers.
Her love of music was deep in her DNA, and she thrilled to hear, sing, and dance without inhibition. Reita and Winslow were exceptional dancers, and if there was a live band there is a good chance they could be found “cuttin it up” with close friends. In her later years, as performers came to the Chinook, or Lee Crest Lodges, she would jump out of her chair and start dancing. Family, and the gospel of Jesus Christ were at the core of all she desired, taught, and hoped for. We celebrate a life well lived, and a legacy firmly established.
The Funeral Service will be held on Friday, January 20th, at 1:00 pm at the Cardston Alberta West Stake Center (846 -1 Ave West), Cardston, AB. Friends may meet the family from 12:00 - 12:45 pm. prior to the service. Interment to follow in the Cardston Cemetery.
Click to Send a Condolence to the Family