Gretchen Sommers

Sommers, Gretchen Louise (56) of Thousand Oaks passed away on May 20, 2013. Gretchen was born in Long Beach on August 21, 1956 to Dutch and Noni Butow. She graduated from Healdsburg High School where she shined in drama, choir, dance, and student government. Gretchen was married to Robert Steven Sommers on May 8, 1976 and they made their family complete with their two children, Eleanor and Evan (deceased). The couple maintained a deep love and devotion for one another until Robert's passing in 2011. Gretchen worked as the Human Resources Director at Howard Sommers Towing, Inc. for nearly twenty years. She brought innovative ideas to the business and with sister-in-law, Randi Sommers, established it as a Women's Business Enterprise. From competing in the ring to herding in cattle drives, Gretchen was lifelong equestrian. She was proud to be an LAPD Mounted Patrol volunteer and a participant in the San Bernardino County Fair and Santa Barbara Fiesta parades. Gretchen is survived by Eleanor (daughter), Priscilla and Millie (granddaughters), Helene (sister), and Noni (mother). Gretchen will be remembered by her family and many friends for her, resilience, courage and eterna...[more]

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ptimism. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund. Services will be held on May 23rd at 2:00PM at Mount Sinai Memorial Parks and Mortuaries - Simi Valley. 800-600-0076