Patricia Ann Summers

Patricia Ann Summers passed away June 29, 2021 in her home surrounded by family after a long fight with Alzheimer’s disease.

Born in a Chicago suburb, her family moved to Indiana her senior year of high school. As a member of Chi Omega sorority at Indiana University, she earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. She later enrolled in Christian Theological Seminary.

She was married 58 years to her devoted husband Leroy, the beloved mother of Matthew, Caroline, and Andrew (Regan), and proud grandmother of Peter and Henry. Preceding her in death were parents Dale and Mildred Peter, brother Daryl, and daughter in law Lisa Shuck Summers.

Many of her friends called her Pat. Ever curious, Pat enjoyed reading and watching PBS documentaries. When asked, “What would you like to watch?” she would reply “What’s on channel 20?” On the phone and especially after church with friends, Pat was known for her very thorough conversations. Before Alzheimer’s stole her words, she dreamt of writing a memoir aptly titled, One more Thing. She taught her kids to always send handwritten thank you notes, although none could match her exquisite penmanship. A servant leader in her community, she presided over United Methodist Women and local Garden Club meetings. In addition to cursing at most three times in her life, Pat was a wonderful cook, doubly confirmed by an article in the local newspaper and her well-fed family.

Pat loved music, especially playing the piano and singing. She shared her talents as a chorus girl with Starlight Musicals, as a member of her church choir, as a schoolteacher and later counselor, where she used music as a teaching tool.

As an educator, Mrs. Summers was resourceful, organized, and set high expectations for those around her. She knew her students needed to feel safe and she encouraged them to perform their best. She helped foster a love of learning and took pride in the little things her students accomplished and the milestones they made. She was genuinely interested in and truly loved “her kids.” We all have a favorite teacher from childhood. For a fortunate few, Mrs. Summers was that teacher.

Patricia’s Christian faith was deeply personal. She taught her kids to memorize John 3:16 and lived her life by Matthew 22:39 which commands us to “Love thy neighbor as thyself.” And she did.

Services will be 10:30 AM July 31 at Bradley United Methodist Church in Greenfield, Indiana. A lunch reception will follow.
If you would like to honor Patricia, the family suggests a heartfelt “I love you” to a friend or family member along with a handwritten “thank you” note to your neighbor.