WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Ruth Joan Summey, age 80, of Centreville, passed away Friday, April 25th, at Borgess Medical Center, Kalamazoo. Joan was born in Mongo, Indiana on May 17, 1933, a daughter of Floren and Kathryn (Wilson) Reed. Joan graduated from Hastings High School and attended Glen Oaks and Western Michigan University receiving a Bachelors of Arts with Honors. On July 9, 1955 she married George K. Summey in Angola, IN.
Joan worked many jobs including cake decorating, artist and art teacher in Middlebury, IN, was owner operator of Weeds Wallpaper store and office manager at Protective Coating Hice & Summey retiring in 2001. She also worked partime as US Mail Carrier in Colon, St. Joseph County Realtor photographer and a census taker. Joan was a member of Centreville Baptist Church, formerly served as Sunday School Superintendant at Presbyterian Church, Centreville and was a member of the Centreville Bridge Club, Village Council, Chairman of Chamber of Commerce, Three Rivers OES # 210, serving as Worthy Matron for many years. She was an accomplished Artist and Craftsman, painter, jewelry maker and loved to sew, knit, croche and story telling.
Surviving are her husband George Summey, daughters, Valerie Denys, of Irmo, SC, Melanie Sloniger, Louisville, KY, J. LaRaine Summey, Centreville, Georgi Mayer, Missoula, MT, son John and Kathy Summey, Bronson, 18 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, sisters Rita Reed, Three Rivers, Donna Reed, IL, and Diana (Chuck) Curtis, IL. She was preceded in death by her parents, and brother F. David Reed.
Relatives and friends will be received Monday from 2 – 4 and 6 – 8 pm at Eley Funeral Home in Centreville. Eastern Star Service will be held 11:00 am Tuesday at Centreville United Methodist Church where Religous Services will follow at 11:30 am on Tuesday, April 29th, with Pastor David Peterson, Centreville Baptist Church officiating. Interment will be in the Prairie River Cemetery Centreville. The Family request donations to Centreville Baptist Church or Wounded Warrior Project. Online messages may be left for the family at www.eleyfuneralhomes.com.
