ETHYL ANN (OYEN) SOMERVILLE

December 8, 1929 – September 21, 2016

Ethyl was born on December 8, 1929, in Dell Rapids, South Dakota to Iver and Ida Oyen and spent her childhood years in Baltic, South Dakota. In 1947 she graduated from Baltic High School followed by attending Nettleton Business College in Sioux Falls.  Subsequently she found employment at the South Dakota Department of Public Welfare; however, ill health caused her resignation and move to Sanator, South Dakota for treatment for tuberculosis.  Upon regaining her health she returned to work as secretary to the Medical Director at South Dakota State Sanatorium in Custer, South Dakota.

In 1952, Ethyl met her future husband of 58 years, Robert Somerville, on a family visit to Richland, to where she moved soon thereafter and began employment at General Telephone Company. On June 8, 1957, Ethyl married Robert at Richland Lutheran Church and from that point forward she dedicated herself to homemaking and to the raising of their sons, Scott, Lee, and Kent.

Ethyl volunteered much of her time to Richland Lutheran Church, teaching Sunday school, participating in women’s circles, and as Contribution Recorder; to the Luther Senior Center as pianist and birthday party coordinator; and to other community causes. 

She and Robert remained together until Robert’s passing on February 14 of this year. She died on September 21 in the Richland home she and Robert shared for over 50 years.

Ethyl is preceded in death by her husband Robert, her parents Iver and Ida Oyen, and her five brothers Earl Bennett, Newell Oyen, Alden Oyen, Douglas Oyen, and Dean Oyen.  She is survived by her sons Scott (Richland), Lee (El Cajon, CA), and Kent and his wife Charlene (Duvall, WA) and by her sister Lila Dozer Lloyd (Richland).  She was much loved by numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at Richland Lutheran Church on Wednesday, September 28, 2016 at 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Richland Lutheran Church Foundation or the Hospice at the Chaplaincy in Kennewick, WA.