Clara May Somers, 87, of Ridge, MD died February 19, 2009 in St. Mary's Nursing Center. Born March 24, 1921 in Park Hall, MD she was the daughter of the late Wilbur Wesley and Janie Fish Sanner Saunders.

She was preceded in death by her two husbands Wesley H. Somers and Robert F. Somers.

She is survived by her two daughters E. Dianne Reeder and Brenda A. Raley both of Ridge, MD; sisters Edna Lobell of Baltimore, MD, Myrtle Faunce and Millie Cullison both of Ridge, MD; four grandchildren John "Peanut" Gatton of Ridge, MD, Susan Reeder Oliver of Hollywood, MD, Kristee Raley Ham of Lexington Park, MD and Kellee Raley of Great Mills, MD; five great grandchildren Kaylee Oliver and Kelcee Oliver both of Hollywood, MD, Logan Gatton and Tyler Gatton both Ridge, MD and Peyton Ham of Lexington Park, MD.

She was also preceded in death by her siblings Alfred Saunders, Frank Saunders, Walter Saunders, Pat Carroll, Vernon Saunders, Wilbur Saunders, Robert Saunders and Jimmy Saunders.

Mrs. Somers was a lifelong St. Mary's County resident where she graduated from Great Mills High School "Class of 1939". She worked as a clerk for the Navy Exchange Laundry for 21 years until her retirement on September 1, 1982. She enjoyed vegetable and flower gardening and also playing with her grandchildren.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, February 22, 2009 from 2:00 – 5:00 PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, where Prayers will be said at 3:00 PM. A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, February 23, 2009 at 11:00 AM in First Friendship United Methodist Church, Ridge, MD with Rev. Keith Schukraft officiating. Interment will follow in the Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be David Cullison, Peanut Gatton, Johnny Carroll, Joey Oliver, Jimmy Lobell and Vernon Saunders, Jr. Honorary Pallbearer will be Jason Ham.

Contributions may be made to First Friendship United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 133, Ridge, MD 20680 and/or Ridge Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 520, Ridge, MD 20680.

Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.