RHEA (PAXMAN) SOMMERFELDT, beloved wife and eternal companion of the late Rex Sommerfeldt, passed away in Cardston, Alberta on Tuesday, September 27, 2022 at the age of 90 years. Rhea is also predeceased by her parents Ezra Love Paxman and Jennie Elene Salmon Paxman; sister Katherine Oler; and brothers Grant Paxman, Eldon Paxman, Ross Paxman, and John Paxman.
Rhea was born in Raymond on October 24, 1931. She was the fifth child of seven. Rhea was raised just outside of Raymond on a farm and lovingly talked about her happy childhood and loved being the middle child of “all those boys” and one older sister.
Rhea was an excellent student and excelled in her school studies, especially math. She graduated from Raymond High School and from there moved to Cardston to work as a telephone operator. It was here in Cardston that she met and married her sweetheart, Rex Sommerfeldt on July 25th, 1951 in the Cardston Alberta Temple and celebrated 70 years together on July 25, 2021 before Rex’s passing in October 2021.
Rhea enjoyed ice skating and was involved in organizing the first figure skating club in Cardston and served on the board for a few years. When carnival time came around each year, and with Rhea’s talent as a seamstress, she was found sewing many costumes for the event.
Rhea loved gardening, and with Rex beside her, they grew very large and abundant gardens. The family would enjoy eating the harvest all winter long. Rhea also loved singing with Rex and they were often found singing at funerals, weddings, and parties. Rhea could also be found singing in a trio with her alto voice.
Rhea was a beautiful quilter and loved the challenge of quilting the more intricate patterns. Rhea made sure all of her grandchildren received one of her handmade quilts.
Rhea had a very strong testimony of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She held many leadership positions and dedicated her life to giving service as a Stake Primary President, Ward Relief Society President, YW’s Presidency and Advisor, and being a Cub Leader for a few years which she loved. Rhea served in the temple as an ordinance worker for many years, and served with her husband on a three year service mission.
Rhea was also very dedicated to her family helping and supporting them in any way she could. She showed her family by example to trust in the Lord.
Rhea is survived by her four daughters, Jan (Jim) Tolley; Doreen (Ted) Holland; Wanita (Frank) Daniels; Karen (Mark) Cahoon; 16 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; and one brother, Doral Paxman.
The Funeral Service will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Temple Street Chapel, Cardston on Monday, October 10th at 11:00 a.m. Friends may meet the family at the church from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. prior to the service.
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Rhea was born in Raymond on October 24, 1931. She was the fifth child of seven. Rhea was raised just outside of Raymond on a farm and lovingly talked about her happy childhood and loved being the middle child of “all those boys” and one older sister.
Rhea was an excellent student and excelled in her school studies, especially math. She graduated from Raymond High School and from there moved to Cardston to work as a telephone operator. It was here in Cardston that she met and married her sweetheart, Rex Sommerfeldt on July 25th, 1951 in the Cardston Alberta Temple and celebrated 70 years together on July 25, 2021 before Rex’s passing in October 2021.
Rhea enjoyed ice skating and was involved in organizing the first figure skating club in Cardston and served on the board for a few years. When carnival time came around each year, and with Rhea’s talent as a seamstress, she was found sewing many costumes for the event.
Rhea loved gardening, and with Rex beside her, they grew very large and abundant gardens. The family would enjoy eating the harvest all winter long. Rhea also loved singing with Rex and they were often found singing at funerals, weddings, and parties. Rhea could also be found singing in a trio with her alto voice.
Rhea was a beautiful quilter and loved the challenge of quilting the more intricate patterns. Rhea made sure all of her grandchildren received one of her handmade quilts.
Rhea had a very strong testimony of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She held many leadership positions and dedicated her life to giving service as a Stake Primary President, Ward Relief Society President, YW’s Presidency and Advisor, and being a Cub Leader for a few years which she loved. Rhea served in the temple as an ordinance worker for many years, and served with her husband on a three year service mission.
Rhea was also very dedicated to her family helping and supporting them in any way she could. She showed her family by example to trust in the Lord.
Rhea is survived by her four daughters, Jan (Jim) Tolley; Doreen (Ted) Holland; Wanita (Frank) Daniels; Karen (Mark) Cahoon; 16 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; and one brother, Doral Paxman.
The Funeral Service will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Temple Street Chapel, Cardston on Monday, October 10th at 11:00 a.m. Friends may meet the family at the church from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. prior to the service.
Click to Send the Family a Condolence