May 5, 1912 - Jan. 13, 2013

ELKHART - Lula Lucile Whitehead, 100 years young, passed away Thursday, Jan. 24, 2013, at Hubbard Hill Health Care Unit in Elkhart, surrounded by loving family members.

She was born May 5, 1912, in Kokomo, the daughter of John Sommers and Clara (Shank) Sommers. She married Clinton E. Whitehead Oct. 5, 1925. He died November 22, 1970. Her husband was a captain and inspector on the Elkhart Fire Department.

An infant daughter, Judith Diane, was born July 13, 1942, and passed away Jan. 23, 1943.

Lula was a loving mother and homemaker. She began her working career in retail sales at Stanton's Dress shop, then at Ziesels Department store and retired as the long-term receptionist for the Elkhart Truth.

She then spent her retirement years making afghans, knitting and traveling throughout the continental U.S. and Hawaii. She enjoyed spending time with family, golfing into her mid-80s, playing board and card games with family and friends and her daily walks. She was an active member of First United Methodist Church and found time to volunteer at Elkhart Memorial Hospital and Heart City Health Center.

She is survived by her son, Stephen Whitehead of Michigan City; grandson Scott Whitehead and his wife, Berkeley; great-grandchildren Elliott and Amelia of Los Angeles; and granddaughter Kimberly and her husband, Christian Stolte; and great-grandchildren Greta and Corinne of Skokie, Ill.

Lula was the youngest of a large family of brothers and sisters, including Maude Speicher, Erma Kronenberg, Mable Workman, and Elsie, Monroe, Melvin, Frank, William, Carl and Paul Sommers, all of whom preceded her in death.

At the tender age of 99, Lula became one of the oldest members of the Facebook community and, with the assistance of the Hubbard Hill staff, used it to keep up with her family and friends, all of whom will miss her.

At her request, there will be no funeral, but rather cremation followed by burial next to her husband. A memorial celebration of life will be later. Arrangements will be handled by Walley-Mills-Zimmerman Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Hubbard Hill Retirement Community, 28070 CR 24 W, Elkhart.

Warren Price, Elkhart, IN Warren Jean Price I work with Lou at Heart City Health Center when I first came to Heart City in 2000 i work in medical records and the volunteers help me Lou was one of my favorite volunteers she always ate a banna kept her looking young i had a chance to meet her son i will miss you but God love you and need you in heaven

Morris (Morry) Schrock, Avon, IN When I worked with Lou at the Truth, I always thought she was a great Lady, and in fact used to tell her so. Here's one for you Lou. May God's Blessings be upon you and may He be with your loved-ones in their time of loss.

JIM & CAROL SMITH, SYRACUSE, IN WE WERE SO SORRY TO LEARN OF AUNT LOU'S PASSING. ALTHOUGH WE DIDN'T MEET HER UNTIL LATE IN HER LIFE WE CERTAINLY ENJOYED HER. I KNOW SHE MEANT A LOT TO MY FATHER AND HIS WIFE.

Ken/Norma Workman, Auburn, IN Our Aunt Lou was the last of her generation of so many wonderful, friendly family members. We greatly appreciated her warm articulation, smiles, interest in us, and close attention to our conversational details. We will miss all of this, but we will remember all of this, so warmly.

Barbara Krichbaum, Chelsea, MI I loved this Lady. She was not only my Aunt, but a true friend. She was funny, thoughtful,loving,caring, and just fun to be around. I loved herr place as a get-a-way when the need be. She welcomed me with open arms and stood at the door when I left. I will miss you Aunt Lou~~~~the last of the dynasty.