Janice H. "Tootie" Sommers

She was born July 13, 1951 in Moncks Corner, SC to the late Robert Hawkins and Rachel Faulk. Tootie thrived on caring for others. She worked in nursing and group homes, raised her children with love, and always had pets in her home that were doted on. She was an excellent seamstress and was a member of a sewing club for many years. She also loved to garden and was the best cook her family knew. Throughout her life she maintained her Southern roots; sweet tea was always readily available. She was quick to laugh and even quicker to smile. She loved her family and told them every chance she got. Tootie delighted in children and always paid extra special attention to them.

Tootie is survived by her husband Gary Sommers, with whom she celebrated her 23rd wedding anniversary on March 21, and her canine babies Ollie and Tinkerbell; her children, Rob (Tronna) Oberlin of Hillsdale, MI, Deanna (Bob) Ballentine of Butler, IN, Andy (Marci) Oberlin of Ft. Wayne, IN; step-children, Brian (Jessica) Sommers of Cheltenham, PA, Justin (Danielle) Sommers of Coldwater, MI, and Amanda (Ryan Horn) Sommers of Angola, IN; grandchildren, Meagan Nicely, Nic (Danielle Wells) Daniels, Colton (Gabi) Ballentine, Caleb Ballentine, Michael, Luke, and Ryan Oberlin, and Dylan, Jaxon, Kayleigh, and Kohen Sommers and 3 great-grandchildren; siblings, George Hawkins of Charlestown, SC, Rose Runkle of Rincon, GA, and Bobby Hawkins of Savannah, GA., and her mother-in-law, Gladys Sommers of Fremont, IN. Tootie was preceded in death late last year by her beloved dog, Izzy.

Per her wishes, Tootie will be cremated. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a celebration of life will be held at a later date when it is safe to once again hug people because Tootie never ended a visit without a hug. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Community Humane Shelter of Steuben County.