Mary Ruth Somerville
October 29, 1933 ~ December 8, 2008
Services:
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, December 17, 2008 at 1:00 PM in the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, Callaway, MD.
Mary Ruth Neale Somerville, 75 of Leonardtown, MD died December 8, 2008 at her residence. Born October 29, 1933 in Maddox, MD she was the daughter of the late Clarence Thomas and Nellie Gertrude Neale. She was the loving wife of George Mitchell Somerville, Sr. whom she married on October 12, 1957 in Leonardtown, MD. She is also survived by her children; Roy Chesley and his wife Jackie of Waldorf, MD, Joyce White and her husband Richard of Tanzania, Africa, Deborah Khavkin of Arlington, VA, Barbara Somerville and her husband William of Silver Spring, MD, George Somerville, Jr. of Leonardtown, MD and Clarence Somerville of Jessup, MD; her siblings; Helen Hebb and her husband William of Hollywood, MD, Theresa Collins and her husband James of Hollywood, MD, Veronica Scriber of Clements, MD, Christopher Neale and his wife Norma of Riverdale, MD and George Curtis of Washington, DC. She was preceded in death by her daughter Gertrude Priestly and her siblings; William Neale, Lawrence Neale, Clarence Neale II and John Francis Neale. A lifelong resident of St. Mary’s County, Mary graduated from Banneker High School “Class of 1951”. She attended the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore from 1951-1953. She has been an active Jehovah’s Witness since 1965 when she was baptized and was a full time minister for more than thirty years. A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, December 17, 2008 at 1:00 PM in the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Callaway, MD with Floyd Johnson officiating. Interment will be private.
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“Our love and thanks to the Somerville family for so many kindnesses to us and our family over the years. Ruth’s care for Edna McConnell will be remembered for a long time. We look forward to being able to see them again.”
“Barbara,Debbie and family you have my deepest sympathy, I’m so sorry for the loss of your mom but the greatest thing is there is no more suffering and she’s going to a better place . Love Ann{Cissy}”
“I will always love you and keep a place in my heart that only you can fill. Rest peacefully in the arms of Our Lord and Savior Jesus The Christ. Love and Kisses, Theresa”
“My deepest sympathy to Mrs. Somerville’s family. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow.”
“May the Lord keep the Somervile family strong & blessed with precious memories of their dearly departed.”
“THE SOMERVILLE FAMILY WISHES TO EXPRESS THAT IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, DONATIONS MAY BE MADE TO THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY, THE AMERICAN DIABETES ASSOCIATION, OR THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION IN THE NAME OF “MARY RUTH NEALE SOMERVILLE”.”
“To our “Family” the Somervilles. May you have peace in the knowledge that our beautiful sister ran the race, faithful to the end. She entertained a hope that we share and we will very soon see her again! May knowing of our love and prayers bring you comfort. “
“MY DEAR COUSIN, PEACE TO YOU AND THE NEALE FAMILY. “
“Roy and family – We are sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing. May God’s grace bring comfort to you now and always.”
“My sympathy to Ms. Mary Ruth’s family, especially Joyce Ann, Debbbie and Barbara, whom I’ve known for years. May you fine joy in knowing that your mom touched me with her beautiful smile whenever I was home and she came by to visit my mother (Helen Shade). She never failed to share that smile and tell me how Joyce Ann was doing. I’ll miss that. Sincerely, Millie “
“MY SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO ALL THE FAMILY. I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER MARY RUTH’S BEAUTIFUL SMILE WHICH CAME FROM HER HEART. “
“I will always love you Aunt Ruth and I remember your gentle ways and sweet smile.I am so far away from you. But I’ll always hold you close in my heart. Your nephew Jaimie”
“You have my deepest sympathy. I know you loved her but God loved her best, and that is where she is resting. Joe & Sandra Miles”
“Roy Jackie and the Sommerville family you have my deepest sympathy.”
“I will always remember how Ms. Mary Ruth loved me. The joy in her that I ALWAYS felt while in her presence will never be forgotten. Her smile was so full of love. I am so grateful that she was selected as my daughter’s Grandmother and introduced her to witnessing to the love of GOD. I am sure many many more than we know were touched by her love over the years. My sincere condolences to each of you, particularly Roy and Michelle. My prayer is that you all know that you can keep all the love she gave you forever. Love Linda “
“Our hearts go out to the family she was a very special lady who will be missed God Bless”
“My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Always know that you will be in my prayers and thoughts. God Bless you today and always. “
“We would like to express our sympathy to Mrs. Somerville’s family. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this time. We, Roy Chesleys coworkers, have been truly blessed by Roy’s presence which was all made possible thru her efforts.”
“My Dear Sweet Sister: You left us all so quietly we did’nt have a chance to say goodbye, but we all know that you are in a much better place. We are going to miss your wonderful smile, and always encouraging words of wisdom. We love you and only wish we had told you more often. We are so lucky to have had you. Good Bye for now my Darling, rest your head on God’s shoulders and know that everything is going to be wonderful for you. “
“Roy,Jackie and the remaining Somerville family you all have my condolences.”
“My deepest sympathy to you and your family.”
“My heart and prayers go out to the Summerville Family as they come to grips with the suddeneness of their mother’s passing. May you be at peace as she continues her journey. “
“Roy our prayers are with you and our extended family. Mrs. Somerville holds a special place in all of our hearts. “
“Roy, You and your family are in my prayers. I am sorry to hear of your mothers’ passing. May you find comfort in remembering all the time you shared with her. “
“My deepest sympathy to the family. May the Lord give you stregnth during your time of mourning.”
“Mrs. Somerville’s Family, My prayers are with you at this time of sorrow. I have known the Neale Family since my earliest memories. I offer my deepest sympathy to Mary Ruth’s entire family, birth and marriage. May God keep you in His Loving Care. Mary Countiss Martin”
“Roy and family, you have my deepest sympathy and I’m sorry for your loss. Psalm 121 says “Lift up my eyes to the hills where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of Heaven and Earth”. God will see you through. Be Blessed”
“To the family of Ruth Somerville I share your sorrow and want you to know that I loved Ruth very much and have spent many years together sharing the hope of everlasting life for all. Although Ruth cherished this hope it was one that she wanted especially for her family. I look forward welcoming her on a paradise earth without sickness, death or any other hurt that we now experience.”
“The Wilson-Neale Family Reunion sends it heartfelt condolences to the Somerville Family. We pray that the blessings of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, give you comfort and keep you in perfect peace.”
“What is there to say about someone so special. My grandmother was a very kind, generous and gracious woman. She always put everyones wants and needs ahead of her own. My fondest moment was just recently. I was hospitalized and she came to see me. As she came through the door pushing her walker tears welled up in her eyes and the look of love and concern was overwhelming. I told her to stop now because I was going to be okay. That I just wanted her to focus on making sure that she was getting better. She told me that we were both going to be okay. She is my guardian angel and I can only hope to be half the woman that she was. Not a moment has went by that I don’t miss her but I know she is in a better place and that she is suffering no more. So to the woman that I am aspiring to be like, I LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU!!! Aiyonna, Tierra, Tamara, Devin and Destiny were lucky to have been able to share in your love. Rest in peace. To Grandpa George, Aunt Joyce Ann, Debbie, Barbie, Uncle Jr, Clarence and my DAD no words can express your loss but just remember the good times you all shared with her. She will be looking down on all of us and keeping us close to her heart.”
“My deepest sympathy to George (Jr) and other family members, mourning the lost of one of the greatest Moms ever. During my 20 something years. I have never been more welcome or greeted by such a wonderful woman. She was a great mother and wife. I wish you all the best…and may god bless you all. With Sincere condolences: The Chase Family”
“Dear Ronnie, It is with love that we send you our deepest sympathy. A Mom is forever. Her life journey is impressive and will be blessed. Please pass our regards and prayers to your family. Love, Norma and Dave “
“Uncle George, Roy, Joyce Ann, Jr., Debbie, Barbara, & Clarence – My heart goes out to you all. Aunt Ruth loved you all and I am sure she is looking down on you all with pride. I hope you have comfort in knowing that you now have your own personal angel watching out for you. Take care of yourselves! Renee, Benny, and JW”
“You have my deepest sympathy, for the loss of your mom. She will be looking down on all of you and keep you close to her heart. My love, thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow. God Bless you all and her always. “
“My heart goes out to you, George Jr, may God bless you and help you through this. And I hope to get to know you better!!”
“I will miss Mrs. Somerville so much. She has always been a great inspiration to me and always will be. My prayers are with you all. “
“Words cannot express the way I felt when I heard that my grandmother passed away. The first thing that popped in my mind was a picture of her smile. She had a smile that would light up a room, and a personality to light up the world. She was truly a beautiful person from the inside out. Even though I moved away, she still meant a lot to me, and was deep inside my heart, now that she’s gone, I feel like a part of me has died with her. She’s irreplacable, there will NEVER be another Mary Ruth Somerville. This experience has been an eye opener for me. I’ve learned to keep those who you love close to you, and never let a day go by without telling them how much they mean to you, because you never know when they can be gone from you forever. She has truly taught me that family is everything, and for that I thank her from the bottom of my heart. I love you granny……you will always be in my memory……”
“WELL, WITH A HEAVY HEART I WRITE THIS, THINKING ONLY OF THE WONDERFUL MEMORIES I HAVE IN MY MIND AND HEART FOR MY MOTHER, WHO WAS ALSO MY FRIEND. SHE LOVED EVERYONE AND THEY LOVED HER, HER HEART MAY HAVE BEEN WEAK , BUT SHE HAD A BIG HEART, SHE WAS UNSELFISH TO ALL, AND I WILL TREASURE ALL THE DAYS SHE WAS HERE FOR ALL OF US, SHE GAVE FROM HER HEART, HER MIND WAS OPEN AND STRONG, NO ONE COULD SHAKE HER OF HER FAITH IN JEHOVAH AND NO ONE COULD HAVE HAD MORE FAITH THEN HER. SHE LOVED US ALL FOR WHO WE ARE , NOT WHAT OTHERS EXPECTED OF US, I COULD NEVER MISS ANYTHING OR ANYONE MORE THEN MY MOM, MARY RUTH SOMERVILLE. YOU ARE ALWAYS IN MY HEART, YOU MADE US ALL BE ALL WE CAN BE, MAY OUR FAMILY STAY STRONG, AND BE HERE FOR EACH OTHER ALWAYS, THANKS BARBIE, DEBBIE, ROY, JOYCE ANN, AND DADDY FOR DOING WHAT YOU COULD FOR MOMMY , I LOVE YOU ALL, BE BLESSED, AND AS FOR MY DAUGHTER SHANAY, YOU MAKE MY HEART GLAD, YOU MAKE ME WANNA LIVE A BETTER LIFE, THANKS FOR COMING FROM CALIFORNIA TO BE WITH ME, YOU ARE A PART OF MY HEART THAT IS STILL HERE, I LOVE YOU ALWAYS AND I HOPE WE ALL REMEMBER MOMMY, FOR SHE WAS FAR MORE THAN JUST OUR MOTHER,AND FRIEND, AND MAY THE EXAMPLE SHE SET FOR US MOLD AND GUIDE US TO MOVE ON AND REMEMBER SHE WAS LIVING HER LIFE HERE ON EARTH, KNOWING IF SHE SERVED JEHOVAH FAITHFULLY, SHE WOULD BE IN THE NEW ORDER, MAY WE LIVE THE REST OF OUR LIVES WITH THIS THOUGHT AND EXAMPLE OF TRUE FAITH,,,, NOTHING IS MORE POWERFUL THAN THE POWER OF PRAYER,,,,WITH LOVE JR”
“Somerville Family: I am praying that you’ll sense God’s presence in this time of grief; and feel God’s love surrounding you, know His inner peace for God cares so much for you. As God wipes each tear you cry, never need to feel alone for He’ll never leave your side. Deepest condolences ~ Crystal “
“George(jr) I leave my dearest sympathy for you at this time, I never got to meet your mother, but, if she was anything like you are she would have stole my heart like you did….I wish you the best during this hard time. Just remember she is no longer suffering she is sitting high above watching all her babies thrive. I hope in your time of need, if you need a friend always know I am here…love ya George(jr) be strong baby for your mom…..”
“I send my condelences and prayers to Roy and the famiy. Lean on God during this difficult time and he will heal your hearts. “
“George, Jr., My sincere sympathy goes out to you and your family in your time of need. Though I didn’t know your mother personally, I did talk to her a few times on the phone and she was very receptive. I know she was a wonderful woman as you talk non-stop about her. I also know she had good morals and awesome values as she instilled them in you and has raised a wonderful gentleman. Please know she is out of pain, safe and watching over you now. Memorial: God saw her getting tired, a cure not meant to be, so He wrapped His arms around her and wispered “Come with me.” God bless and keep your entire family. Love Always, Merry “
“My deepest sympathy to the family. I recall the warm welcome and hugs and kisses I got from her when came to the Kingdom Hall.”
“It is times like this when its hard to find the right words to say, no words can make it easier for the family, however we all know that soon we will see Ruth again and no more pain, suffering, just a little while longer.”
“Granny,What can I say? There is so much, and no time left for you to hear it. You were my world, the air I breathed, the person who was there when all else failed and the world threw its hands and up and wash them clean. I will truly miss you, my hero you always will remain. May we meet again in paradise. Your Grandson, Your Best Friend, You Brother In Christ, Ian/Alex Somerville”
“George I never met your mother, but when you speak of her your loving memories fill the room. I lost my beloved grandmother in Sept. 2008, I would like to share with you one of her favorite poems. The Rose Still Grows Beyond The Wall Near a shady wall a rose once grew, Budded and blossomed in God’s free light: Watered and fed by morning dew, Shedding its sweetness day and night. As it grew and blossomed fair and tall, Slowly rising to loftier height, It came to a crevice in the wall, Through which there shone a beam of light. Onward it crept with added strength With never a thought of fear or pride, It followed the light through the crevice length, And unfolded itself on the other side. The light, the dew, the broadening view Were found the same as they were before. And it lost itself in beauties new. Breathing its fragrance more and more. Shall claim of death cause us to grieve, And make our courage faint or fall? Nay, let us faith and hope receive, The rose still grows beyond the wall. Scattering fragrance far and wide, Just as it did in days of yore. Just as it did on the other side, Just as it will forevermore. – A.L.Frin”
“To the family and friends of Mary Ruth Somerville: Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss. May Jehovah, the “God of comfort who comforts us in all our tribulation,” continue to bless and strengthen you at this time of deep sorrow. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4) The Bible calls death an enemy. But Jehovah God and Jesus are stronger than the enemy and they have assured us that human suffering and death will be brought to an end. They have also promised that our dear loved ones who lie asleep in death will be resurrected – literally awakened back to life on a paradise earth! May these and all scriptures give you a measure of comfort, strength and hope in the days ahead. (1 Corinthians 15:26; Isaiah 25:8; Revelation 21:4; Acts 24:15; John 11:11-44; Matthew 5:5; Psalm 37:11, 29) With heartfelt sympathy for your loss, Ms. Weston”
“Well Granny, It’s been 1 year and a half….You would think I would be getting used to the idea that you’re gone…but guess what? I’m not! Every day that passes only leaves me feeling even more guilty. I feel that maybe if I were a better granddaughter to you, you would still be alive….Did you die because you were unhappy about the way you were treated by me? When I say that, I am referring to all the times when I took you for granted, not being there when I visited Maryland…not being there enough for you, not being the best granddaughter I could be…for you….When I first heard the news of you passing….I fell to the floor, calling MYSELF a murderer. Did you let go of life because you were hurt by me? I blame myself everyday for not doing what I should’ve done…which was to love my grandmother in a complete way. Anyone reading this should listen to my words….YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT YOU’VE GOT UNTIL IT’S GONE…..I’m sorry Granny, that I didn’t act like I should’ve…and I can’t wait to tell you that when I see you in the paradise!! Granny, while you’re taking your nap in death, I’ll try to work on getting my dad back in the congregation…I know you would rejoice if you could wake up and see him again!!!Until we meet again, I love you! Love always, Shanay “
“There is never a day that passes that I can’t, I don’t see your face in my mind. Whether happy or sad, you were a joy in my life…. No one will ever fill the void you left when you departed this earth… I love you, I miss you, and may we once meet again!”
“A Sure Hope For The Future. A Grand Reunion is Coming! Soon we will be reunited with our loved ones. Luke 23:43: “Truly I tell you today, You will be with me in Paradise.” All the earth will be transformed into a paradise under the rule of Christ as King. How I look forward to a Grand Reunion with my Family & Friends in the paradise earth!—Rev. 21:3, 4. As a minister I am deeply concern for those who have lost loved ones in death. I am here to share comfort with others. John W Dudley Formerly dirt farmer from Penelope Texas A Loving Memorial http://about.me/boldspring “
“It has taken more than three years after the death of my beloved mother to be able to sign this guestbook. I have always been told that time heals all losses. I want to say that has not been at all true for me. Each day, I miss you more and more. Each day I pick up the telephone to call you and remember you are not going to answer. I often go to the card aisle to buy a card of support and encouragement to mail to you only to remember you will not be able to receive it. There is a void in my life and heart that cannot be filled! I look at the portrait of you hanging on the wall and recall you smile, your ire, your laughter and giggles, your tears, and your kindness. William and I often reminisce about our long hours of conversations on the telephone, the fun we had when you visited us, and the long hours I spent at your bedside during your hospitalizations! We miss you more than words can say! I, personally, wish to say, “thank you” to all who signed this guestbook, attended the memorial service, befriended my mother, supported her during her long illness, and offered their love and support to her family! Mommy, I love you and always will! When you died, I lost a mother, mentor, sparing partner, confidant, a piece of my heart, and a friend like no other! “Barbie” xoxo”
“Almost 4 years now since you’ve been gone…it never gets better…your mind just gets used to the fact that your loved one is gone….I know my daddy misses you…he was with you every day…I can still hear the pain in his voice every time I talk to him…I miss you too…I miss riding with you in your car, while you would tell me stories about how you hated the color red, and how your school teacher gave you the blues…I can honestly say that I’ve got the blues too…I miss you, my dear Granny…I miss hearing your voice, seeing your smile, getting those big hugs, and just being in your beautiful company…Whenever I have a family of my own, I will tell them of our good times, and through me they will know you….You were beautiful, you were powerful, you were gracious, you were extraordinary, and best of all, you were my grandmother…Thank you for the 21 yrs that you graced me with your presence…Thank you for being who you were…even when I didn’t appreciate it…I do now…and I always will…I love you always….”
“Here I am again, thinking of you! It’s been almost 5 years since you’ve left us, but to me it still seems like yesterday.. It’s like an open wound that one can never cauterize.. Your were my best friend, my confidant.. I miss your smiles, and laughter… Your scolding & and even the occasionally lashing here and there… Whenever I go to the house, I look to see if you’ll great me, but it’s always hurts a little more when it hits me, that its and empty shell without you there….. Luther Vandross put it best when he said, “This House is not a Home, Unless you’re there!” I love you & deeply miss you…. Your Favorite Grandson, Ian/Alex “
“I am so sorry to hear about this, I just found out today! I don’t live in maryland anymore, but I always thought of Mrs. Sommerville, she was always so nice to me. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you!”