Rita Mae Somers

Rita Mae Somers, age 81 of West Branch, passed away Tuesday, May 26, 2020 at McLaren Bay Region in Bay City, MI. Rita was born on September 8, 1938 in Detroit to Earl Whitlock and Lucille Anstett. She married Carl Ronald Somers on April 27, 1957 in East Detroit, MI. She enjoyed living in West Branch since 2005, formerly of Detroit and Redford. Rita was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in West Branch. Her greatest source of pleasure was her love for her family and friends. She enjoyed working on ancestry trees and loved to share this gift with everyone that was interested in discovering their family roots.

Rita is survived by her daughters, DiAnne Somers of West Branch, MI, Wendy (David) Becerra of Wyandotte, MI, Rita (Dale) Hensel of Macomb, MI, Kim (Joe) Brady of Sterling Heights, MI; sons, Robert “Bob” (Christine Athey) Somers of Hamel, MN, Richard (Nancy) Somers of West Bloomfield, MI, Cal (Robin Smith) Somers of St. Helen, MI, 16 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren; siblings, Marguerite Staten, Ilene (Jack) Pender, Esther Hanadel, Thomas Whitlock, James (Linda)Whitlock, John (Teresa) Whitlock, Kenneth (Jo-Karen) Whitlock and Joseph (Julie) Whitlock; and sister-in-law, Judy Whitlock. Also surviving are many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Carl in 2018, grandchildren, David O. Becerra Jr. and Kerry R. Somers; brothers, Earl, Richard, Steve and Paul Whitlock; brothers-in-law, Leroy Staten and Bob Hanadel; and sister-in-law, Diane Whitlock.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 5, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. at 3489 Peach Lake Rd., West Branch, MI. Father Emmanuel Finbarr will officiate.

Arrangements were handled by Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch. www.steuernolmclaren.com