Ruth Somerville

Ruth (Roo) Gidley Somerville passed away peacefully, with her family by her side, to join her Father in Heaven on March 15, 2016. Born on April 9, 1921 in Newton, Iowa to Alma and Louis Gidley, Ruth grew up a Midwestern farm girl. After high school, Ruth wanted to get to the “big” city as fast as she could. After a brief modeling career in both Chicago and Los Angeles, she settled in Dallas and never left.

Ruth dedicated her life to raising her children and enjoyed knitting, exercise, tennis, and all sports. She was involved in all her children’s activities, especially following her children and grandchildren through all their athletic events. She never met a stranger and was always upbeat and smiling. She was truly happiest while spending summers with her family on Lake Michigan. As she grew old, and her body began to fail her, she never lost her sense of humor and fun personality. Her mind was always sharp, and her family remained the joy of her life. We rejoice that she is now in Heaven, but she will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Ruth was a longtime member of St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church where she served on the alter guild. She was also a member of the Heritage Book Club, the Dallas Woman’s Club, and the Dallas Country Club.

She is preceded in death by her parents, siblings, and devoted daughter-in-law, Linda Roberts Somerville. She is survived by her children, Ann Klein and husband, Les, Tom Somerville, Bill Somerville and wife, Kim. Also by grandchildren Matt Klein (Sarah), John Klein (Emily), Katherine Herron (Chris), Tommy Somerville (Nicole), Shannon Ajami (Ahmad), Megan Conlon (Keith), Stacey Somerville, and Christy Somerville (Ken Zawsum). She also was blessed with 10 great grandchildren.

The family gratefully acknowledges the wonderful care given to our Roo by her caregivers Juanita Cruz and Betty Hudson, as well as the staff at the Plaza at Edgemere.

A Memorial Service will be Monday, March 21, 2016 at 1:00 pm: St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church in the chapel, 8011 Douglas Ave., Dallas, 75225. A Reception will immediately following in the parlor. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church; The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 8111 LBJ Fwy. Ste. 425, Dallas, 75251: or Children’s Medical Center Foundation, 2777 Stemmons Fwy.,Ste. 700, Dallas 75207. Online condolences may be made to www.Sparkman-Hillcrest.com