IN MEMORIAM
EXPANDED EULOGIES
“In Memoriam” listings are expanded paid obituaries, phrased as the family requests, and may include enhanced information or photographs that might not fit within free death notices.
Iris Summers
Family and friends gathered at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, at Yazel-Megli Funeral Home, Marion, for a memorial service for Iris Mae Summers, 99, Marion, who passed away Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, at St. Luke Living Center.
Iris’ life began Feb. 6, 1925, in Springfield, Missouri. Her parents were Edward and Cora Mae (Ward) Raffety.
Iris attended school in Springfield and on Aug. 30, 1941, she was united in marriage to John Henry Summers Sr. in Springfield. They were married for 68 years.
During World War II, Iris worked at the Parsons defense plant and later she became an operator for American Telephone and Telegraph, connecting calls on an old-fashioned switchboard. She spent much of her later working life in retail sales.
After the war, John and Iris lived in Colorado Springs for more than 40 years and raised their family there. She was lovingly called “Meme” by her grandchildren.
She was a long-time member of West Pikes Peak Church of Christ, where she enjoyed teaching Sunday school and ladies’ classes.
She enjoyed trips to the mountains and loved the scenery, especially in the fall.
In 1985, she and John retired and relocated to Marion. Her life in Marion allowed her to participate in several area groups, including the Neo Century Club, Sweet Adelines, the American Cancer Society, and St. Luke Hospital Auxiliary and as volunteer secretary for the local Marion congregation.
She was an active volunteer in early days of Art in the Park in Marion and helped establish St. Luke Hospital Auxiliary Shoppe.
Iris had an artistic nature that she expressed through painting and taking art classes at Butler Community College when it was housed in the Bown-Corby school building. She journaled and wrote poetry as well.
Iris was a member of the Church of Christ in McPherson.
She will be remembered for her positive attitude and sweet personality.
Her greatest joy was her family, including her children John (and wife Lynna) Summers Jr. of Ponca City, Jane (and husband Richard) O’Connor of Marion, Virginia (and husband Ron) Mauck of Benton, and Edward Summers of Marion; grandchildren Jenny (and husband David) Jones, Scott (and wife Amber) Summers, Heather Summers, Mike (and wife Christine) O’Connor, Lena (and husband Sam) Hall, Tracy (and husband Kourt) Klaassen, and Matt (and wife Kim) Mauck; and great-grandchildren Amelia (and husband Armando) Camacho; Haleigh and Moira Jones; Logan and Colin Summers; Jaelynn and Amaya Summers; Pat, Sean, and Madelyn O’Connor; Dylan and Drew Klaassen; and Katelyn, Cameron, and Kennedy Mauck.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband John, brother Gardner Jeffery, and grandson Howard O’Connor.
Memorial contributions in her name may be directed to the St. Luke Hospital Auxiliary, the Know Your Bible program, or Marion County Food Bank.
Please sign her online guestbook and leave a memory of Iris at www.yazelmeglifh.com.