Somer Chalfant, formerly of Phillipsburg
August 12, 1978 - October 3, 2023
Somer Patterson Chalfant, born on August 12, 1978, in Phillipsburg, to Laurence and Vicki Patterson, passed away peacefully in her sleep from natural causes on Oct. 3, 2023. She was known for her love, compassion, and unwavering dedication to helping others.
Somer had a deep passion for literature and enjoyed writing poetry. She was a skilled cook, delighting in preparing meals for her loved ones. Somer was a strong advocate for women and those facing substance abuse or abusive situations.
In her youth, she was an active member of 4-H, showcasing her art and showing animals in various activities. She also engaged in high school sports, was a member of the amendment choir, and participated in cheerleading and dance. After high school, Somer earned both a bachelor's and master's degree in English from Kansas State University and played a pivotal role in starting the International Admissions program there as the assistant director of international admissions.
Somer's impact extended globally when she became the Director of International Admissions at The University of Kansas. She promoted education to students worldwide, traveling to China, India, Vietnam, and many other countries fostering global educational opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds.
In addition to her other academic pursuits, Somer was in the process of earning her doctorate in education from The University of Kansas, showcasing her commitment to learning and helping others.
In her personal life, Somer was a loving wife to Bryan Chalfant and a dedicated mother to her two sons, Noah and Jude Chalfant. She always prioritized her children's needs, singing about their chunky thighs as babies and doing whatever she could to make them laugh and smile. Her nurturing spirit also extended to her many nieces and nephews, whom she loved dearly, rocking them to sleep, playing with them, laughing with them, and crying with them during tough times.
Somer will be remembered for her selflessness, leaving a lasting legacy in the hearts of her husband Bryan Chalfant of Lawrence, her children Noah and Jude Chalfant of Lawrence, her mother Vicki Patterson of Phillipsburg, and her brothers, Lance (Aubrey) of Hutchinson, and Lane (Sarah) Patterson of Hays, as well as in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
She was preceded in death by her father Laurence Patterson, her aunt, whom she was very close to, Beverly Lethem Davis, and her mother-in-law, Anita Chalfant.
Somer had confided in her husband that she wished to be cremated upon passing. A memorial service will be held Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, at 10 a.m. in the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel with Pastor Jay Brandon officiating. The service will be streamed live on the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel Facebook page. Burial will follow in the Fairview Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts are suggested to the following organizations:
- [Willow Women’s Shelter (Lawrence, Kansas)](https://www.willowdvcenter.org/donate)
- [Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center (Lawrence, Kansas)](https://bertnash.org/donate/)
- [Boys & Girls Club of Hutchinson, Kansas](https://bgchutch.com/donate/)
Your contributions will support causes that were dear to Somer's heart and continue her legacy of helping others.