Lois M. Rapier Sommerfield, 86 of Elizabethtown, died Tuesday, October 12, 2021 at Baptist Health Hardin. She was preceded in death by her husband, Loren Earl Sommerfield; a son-in-law, Chris Mariner; her parents, Joseph Hugh and Lena Catherine Ritchie Rapier; and five brothers, Franklin Edison Rapier, Christopher Columbus Rapier, James Harold Rapier, Joseph Darold Rapier and Bernard Winston Rapier. Survivors include four children, Laura Mariner of St. Albert, Alberta, Canada, Lisa (Mike) Starr of Elizabethtown, Lynne (Nirav) Sheth of Bedford, MA and Loren Paul (Valerie) Sommerfield of Frankfort; and five grandchildren, Samantha Starr Elwood, Chase Mariner, Kiran Sheth, Elena Sheth and David Sommerfield. Lois was a native of New Haven, KY, a true Yellow Ribbon wife and mother supporting Loren's career in the United States Navy. Navy postings took Loren and Lois to San Diego, California and Troy, Ohio. Additionally, Lois raised the oldest children while Loren went to sea on multiple sailings. Following her husband's retirement from the Navy, they settled in Elizabethtown becoming active contributors to the community. Raised in the Catholic faith, Lois attended Saint Catherine's school New Haven. She was a brilliant student, valedictorian of her Saint Catherine High School graduating class. Lois took great pride in being an elementary school teacher in Catholic schools. She obtained her bachelor's degree in Education from Spalding University and her Rank 1 master's degree from Western Kentucky University. She taught for several years at schools in the Archdiocese of Louisville including Saint Catherine's New Haven, Saint Benedict Lebanon Junction and Saint James Elizabethtown. Lois was the first lay teacher at Saint Catherine's in the mid 1950’s, still lovingly adored by her earliest students who never let her forget she was their favorite teacher. Emphasizing education and faith in her own family, Lois enrolled her four children in Saint James School Elizabethtown and all went on to obtain college degrees. Lois had a passionate love for all animals from an early age but had a special place in her heart for cats. She supported several animal welfare causes throughout her life. Innumerable strays found their way to Lois' doorstep over the years always receiving boundless care, love and affection. Several of these strays became permanent residents knowing Lois' home was a safe and comfortable abode. They never failed to return the love and affection giving her immense joy. The funeral will be Monday at 11 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church with Rev. Loi Pham officiating. Burial will follow in St. James Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday and continue after 9 a.m. Monday at Brown Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to the Animal Refuge Center, 185 Basham Trail, Vine Grove, KY 40175. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to the Animal Refuge Center, 185 Basham Trail, Vine Grove, KY 40175. Condolences may be expressed online at www.brownfuneral.com

Visitation:

Sunday, October 17, 2021 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Brown Funeral Home

Service:

Monday, October 18, 2021 starting at 11:00 AM
St. James Catholic Church