Alice Summers

Alice Ruth Elder Summers was born into the Roy Ellsworth and Helen Elder family on March 28, 1911, on their farm southwest of Leoti, Kansas. She was the first of twelve children - six boys and six girls. The family moved to a farm west of Leoti in 1919. In 1929, she married Henry David Summers, and they were later blessed with nine children - four boys and five girls. Alice, Henry, and their family lived on the farm in Kearny County, KS, that was homesteaded by Henry's family in 1907. In 1972, Alice and Henry moved to their home in Leoti, KS. Alice was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, Henry David Summers; a daughter, Dorothy Summers Harbin; a daughter-in-law, Karen Buck Summers; a son-in-law, Dean Harbin; her parents, Roy and Helen Elder; six brothers, LeRoy, Frank, Ellsworth, Richard, Lewis, and Pat Elder; four sisters, Laura Elder, Addie Elder Strobridge McCain, Ruby Elder Whitney, and Bessie Elder Burch. Alice is survived by her remaining eight children and their spouses: Roy and Barbara Summers of Advance, NC; Don Summers, Lakin, KS; Merle and Lou Ann Summers, Blackwell, OK; Howard and Lucy Summers, Cimarron, KS; Helen and Elmer Ridder, Leoti, KS; Delora and Gene Stites, Midlothian, VA; Bessie and Jack Brown, Salt Lake City, UT; Barbara and Don Heili, Garden City, KS; 26 grandchildren and their spouses, 9 step-grandchildren and their spouses; 50 great grandchildren and their spouses; 17 step-great grandchildren and their spouses; 16 great-great grandchildren; 10 step-great-great grandchildren; 1 sister, Neva Elder Kiefer Duncan, of Leoti, KS; and many other relatives and friends. An eighth grade graduate with a remarkable mind for numbers and poetry, Alice could recall the birth dates of her entire family, and few subjects were discussed without the recollection of a poem. The poetry was learned mostly from her mother and mother-in-law. She received her GED at the age of 61. Spending time with family and friends was Alice's greatest joy. Since moving to the Wichita County Long Term Care in 2005, she could be found on the phone with, or sitting in the company of, a family member or friend several times each day. She loved playing cards, BINGO and was the biggest sports fan. A beautiful woman who will be greatly missed. Alice's family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff of the Wichita County Long Term Care. They understood and nurtured her love of life, for which she, and her family were very grateful. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the United Methodist Church, where Alice was a member for 30+ years, or the Wichita County Long Term Care both of Leoti, KS. Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 13, 2013 at United Methodist Church in Leoti, Kansas with the Rev. Brad Kirk presiding. Interment will be in the Leoti Cemetery in Leoti, Kansas. In Lieu of Flowers memorials may be given to the United Methodist Church or Wichita County Long Term Care Center % Price & Sons Funeral Home in Leoti, Kansas. Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Wednesday and 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Leoti, Kansas.