Donna, nicknamed "Toots," our beloved mother, grandmother, great- grandmother, great-great-grandmother, and friend died June 9, 2016, at the age of 87. Donna was born May 25, 1929, to Reid VanQuill and Vivian Whitehead in Salt Lake City, Utah as the second of four children. As a child she was active and mischievous. Raised during the depression, she helped raise her younger sister and brother while her parents worked to support the family. Donna met a "skinny kid" in third grade who became a "hunk" in sixth grade and then they fell in love in the ninth grade. Donna graduated from Granite High School where she enjoyed reading and learning. On September 27, 1947, she married that "skinny/hunk" Joseph "Joe" W. Sommers, Jr. They celebrated their sixty-sixth wedding anniversary on September 27, 2013. On March 29, 2014, that "skinny/hunk" was called home and she longed for him with all her heart. They are now reunited.
Donna was an avid reader, sometimes reading three books a week. Donna loved bowling and in her "Monday morning league" she met and made many lifelong friends. Donna was active almost to the end. Donna's pride was her yard and she mowed her own lawn until she was 72.
Joe and Donna raised four children. Donna was the heart of the family and gratefully endured camping, hunting, fishing, and boating to be with her family. Donna made others feel valued by remembering and celebrating birthdays, talents, accomplishments, and hobbies.
Survived by children Robyn (Don) Broughton, Jeff (Kathy) Sommers, Jolynn (John) Brems, and Lane (Celeste) Sommers, 9 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren; sister Jeri (Sam) Smith, brother, Larry (Barbara) VanQuill.
Preceded in death by her husband Joseph W. Sommers, parents, sister Lavern Lee, granddaughter Brenda Gold, and great-grandson Conner Lloyd.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 15, 2016 at the LDS church located at 2301 E. Bengal Boulevard (7600 South), Cottonwood Heights, Utah. Viewing will be from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. prior to Wednesday's services. Interment: Larkin Sunset Gardens.
Condolences may be made at www.LarkinMortuary.com
