Mary Esther (Nett) Sommerhauser
Mary Esther passed away peacefully on July 11th in the presence of loving family, with the knowledge she was going to be with the Lord. Esther was the fifth eldest of twelve children born to Leo and Mary (Thimesch) Nett. Esther was known as the best homemade bread baker in the family with a beautiful signing voice recognized from an early age. In school, Esther and a fellow student were chosen as the lead signers to perform at various functions. Esther worked at Boeing after graduation from a local business college. August 1950, she married Glenn J Sommerhauser and they moved to the family farm formerly located at the corner of Rock Road and 79th street (Madison) in Derby. Glenn had moved there when he was 13 years old and purchased hogs to help make the land payments. They raised wheat, barley, soybeans, and milo where the Derby High School now resides and cattle in the area that a housing division exists. Esther was active in the St. Mary’s Catholic community, where her three children attended class, volunteering in the library, as a teaching assistant, and as a member of the Marian Alter Society comprised primarily of local farming wives. When Esther was 48 years old, her husband Glenn died of cancer while still farming and working in major assembly at Boeing. Esther had to immediately orchestrate a farm sale, moving away from her home of 27 years to find a place for her and her family to live and begin seeking employment. Esther’s strong belief in God’s love carried her through this difficult time. After she retired, Esther picked up her grandsons from school each day; building a strong bond they will always remember. Her eleven siblings were a source of great pride. She was extremely proud of her two brother’s service to this country, Lee served during WWII, European and South Pacific theaters and Korean War, Vic served during WWII, Korean War and Vietnam. Esther is survived by her three children, Eugene (Sherri) of Clearwater, Diane Kraus (Paul) of Derby and Judy, three grandsons, two great grandsons; sisters Doris Barnes (Warren) Fallbrook, CA, Blanche Nett, Anaheim ,CA, Jane Shuss, (Bob), Fallbrook, CA, Regina Nett, Colorado Springs, CO, Rose Mary McAuliffe, (Joe), Tampa, FL. , and 44 nieces and nephews. Proceeded in death by her husband Glenn, sisters; Alma Chase (Bob), Poway, CA, Laurine Marshall (Bob) Fort Worth, TX, Eileen Swaney (Don) Shell Knob, MO, Agnes Kessler (Jerry) Wichita, KS., and brothers Lee Nett( Mervine) La Marida, CA, and Vic Nett (Margie) Placentia, CA. Celebration of Esther’s life begins with a gathering at 11:00, Rosary at 11:15 with mass and reception immediately following at St. Vincent de Paul Church, Andover , KS, Saturday, July 29th. Memorial to The Lord’s Diner. Smith Mortuary in charge of arrangements.