Carol Lee Summers, age 76, of Rockford, went to be with her Lord on Sunday, January 24, 2016. Carol will be remembered for her quick wit, intelligence, super human hearing, being the life of the party, and for her freezer Christmas cookies. She believed coffee was a food group, loved football, knitting and cross-stitch, and always got the last piece of pie. Carol was the cool grandma who would jump off roofs into snow banks, would play cards till early hours of the morning and try to learn the ins and outs of technology.   She was devoted to her children as well as her many foster children. She earned her associates degree in applied science in 1973, and worked as an RN in a psychiatric hospital, emergency room until earning her Bachelor of Arts degree. After that degree, she became a Director of Nursing and worked as a consultant in long term care. She was preceded in death by her husband, Theodore; parents, Ules and Sylva Ketchum; daughter, Sherylann Evans-Essich. She is survived by her children; Gary (Jami) Summers, Suellen Evans, Sandi (Marty) Rose, Kevin (Rosie) Evans, Rachel (Mark) Ostrowski, Matt (Sharon) Summers; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; her very special sister, Bonnie Jean (Bill) Johnson; many nieces, nephews, and friends. Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 29 at 11 AM at Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Drive SW with Chaplain Rick Kiekintveld officiating. Interment will be held at Rockford Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family Friday, January 29 from 10-11 AM prior to the service at the funeral home. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the charity of one’s choice.

Leave Your Tribute Message

January 28, 2016 5:54am
I appreciated Carol's sense of humor so much! She was a nurse extraordinaire in her time I'm sure! She was so proud of her grandkids. It was my honor to care for her.

- Laura Smith

January 26, 2016 9:30am
Aunt Carol we love and miss you so much you have taught us so much about life. We enjoyed sitting around visiting with you hearing all your stories and doing crafts with you. We love you so much you are a terrific person and a GREAT friend

- Mike Melissa Kristina and Bryana Healey

January 26, 2016 12:49am
I Will miss you my friend but we will meet again,

- christine Bennett

January 25, 2016 4:25pm
Carol, a free-spirited lady who always let her light shine....and now, in the glorious light of her Lord and Savior, she shines eternally! Sincere condolences from the Steimel Family on the passing of your sweet Mother.

- Carol Steimel Saxton




Order flowers for Carol's service.

Designer’s Choice Grand Vase Arrangement

White Wonder

Thinking of You Basket

Tender Touch

Stargazer Garden

Stargazer Easel Spray

Sincere Sympathy Garden

Seasonal Potted Plant (mum, poinsettia, cyclamen, etc.)

Remembrance Easel Spray

Natures Glory

Loving Embrace

Gerbera Greetings

Colorful Memories Wreath

Classic Sympathy

Blooming Duo

Bells of Beauty

Beautiful Memories

Beautiful Blessings Wreath

Floral arrangements provided by Love Knots Floral.

 

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