Sophie Elizabeth Tilton

Sophie Elizabeth (Sommers) Tilton, 99, of Rensselaer, passed away Saturday, December 5, 2015 at the Rensselaer Care Center. She was born in Jasper County on November 20, 1916 to Mary (Halsema) and Charles Carl Sommers. She attended school in Rensselaer and was a lifelong area resident.

Sophie married John Wayne “Tubby” Tilton at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Reynolds on July 1, 1937. He preceded her in death on February 4, 1979. Sophie worked for Daryl’s Pastry Shop in Rensselaer for 35 years. She was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church. She was an avid sports fan, especially NASCAR. Her favorite driver was Jimmy Johnson. She was also a great bowler, winning many league championships in the 1950’s. She was a wonderful cook, and her noodles were a family favorite.

Sophie is survived by four children: John Charles (Gayla) Tilton, Wayne Robert (Suzi) Tilton, Helen Elizabeth (John) Pettet, and Susan Kay Wheeler; two brothers, Russell (Anita) Sommers and Richard (Shirley) Sommers; 12 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchilden; 10 great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by: her parents; her husband; five brothers: John “Jack”, Robert, Carl, Raymond, and Harold; and four sisters: Elizabeth, Martha, Louise, and Ruth.

Visitation will be Wednesday, December 9, 2015 from 1-3 p.m. at Steinke Funeral Home of Rensselaer. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, December 9, 2015 at 3 p.m. with Father Don Davison officiating. Interment will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to St. Augustine Catholic School. Share memories and condolences online at www.SteinkeFuneralHome.com.