In high school, she was involved with cheerleading, drama, and music, including playing clarinet in the All-State band.
She was a lifelong liberal Democrat.
She attended Morningside College and then transferred to the University of Northern Iowa, studying theatre and graduating with a degree in English in 1966.
She made her Broadway debut as Wilma in the 1974 musical Over Here!, which was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Musical.
Her parents were, Lefa Mary (née Pash; 1918-2011) and the Rev. Paul Somerville (1919-1995); the family moved around as Mr. Somerville preached at different churches.