Virginia M. (Austin) Somerlade

Our mother Virginia M. Somerlade age 97 peacefully entered her heavenly home, surrounded by family and listening to her favorite hymns on Friday April 8, 2022.

She was born to Cloice and Ethel (Baldner) Austin on August 15, 1924 in McZena, Ohio. She had three brothers, Hoyland, Paul, and Gail Austin. She married her high school sweetheart, Carl Somerlade on April 10, 1943 and was able to celebrate their 79th wedding anniversary together on Sunday.

She graduated from Jeromesville High School and has remained in the Hillsdale district. She was a member of Lakefork United Methodist Church.

Our mother was the happiest person we knew. She always had a smile and always laughing. She enjoyed life to the fullest. We were influenced by her life values. She taught us about responsibility, good work habits, life skills, commitment, and honesty. More importantly she was a great example of a true Christian, to her family and all that knew her. She loved being around people and helping others. She volunteered freely with her helping hands and leadership abilities in her church and community. She organized, prepared and served many banquets at Hillsdale High School in the 60’s and 70’s. She served in as many church functions as she possibly could. Mom, was the first person that everyone would see on Sunday mornings, greeting them as they came through the door.

Mom also had a passion for sports. In the 1940’s she was a catcher for the Jeromesville Women’s softball team. Which explained her love for watching the Hillsdale Girls Softball games as well as many other Hillsdale sports activities. Especially if her family was involved. She was a familiar face to many. She cheered loudly and with great enthusiasm. All the way into her mid 90’s. She was known as a True Falcon Fan.

Other interest included gardening, cooking, crocheting, crafts, and sewing. She made her oldest daughters wedding dress for $13.88. And has blessed her family with her crocheted afghans. She enjoyed watching the Cleveland Indians from her comfortable recliner. Over her many years she was a member of a variety of organizations including Tee Pee Tenders Extension Group, Tuesday Bowling League, Hillsdale CARES, Bridge Club, and Jeromesville Historical Committee. She enjoyed line dancing and watching the Jeromesville Memorial Day Parade.

She is survived by her children Jackie Sours of Jeromesville, Bob (Naomi) Somerlade of Dallas Georgia, and Kathy (Jeff) Grassman of Jeromesville, 4 grandchildren, Leslie (Mark) Rook, Tonja (Roger) Briggs, Danette (Doug) Young, and Joel (Amber) Grassman, 8 great grandchildren, 4 great great grandchildren and sister-in-law Pauline Somerlade.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brothers, son-in-law Gary Sours, and grandsons; Mark Grassman and Scott Somerlade.

Funeral Services, officiated by Layton Broome will be held at Fickes Funeral Home in Jeromesville on Saturday April 16, 2022 at 11am with calling hours one hour prior.

In Lieu of flowers memorial contribution can be made to Hillsdale CARES, PO Box 155 Jeromesville, Ohio 44840 or Pathways Hospice Palliative Care 41 Briggs Dr. Unit 3 Ontario, Ohio 44906.

Online condolences may be made at www.fickesfuneralhome.com.

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