Ruth Elizabeth Summers

Ruth Elizabeth Summers, 85, died on Christmas Day at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Home in Rushford. Ruth was born on August 28, 1919 in Lake Benton, MN. She was the fourth child of Edwin Harold and Georgia Alvena (Johnson) Wilcox. She graduated from Mountain Lake High School, but often visited Houston to stay with her Grandparents on the Johnson side. Eventually her family moved to Houston where she worked briefly as a dental assistant in Dr. Moen's office. On May 13, 1944, Ruth married Jay Donald Summers of Money Creek. The Rev. Charles Crouch, then pastor at the Money Creek Methodist Church presided. Ruth lived and worked on the Summers family farm with Jay and their four children until 1971 when they moved to Rushford. She worked as a secretary and receptionist at the Family Service of Winona while Jay was the Chief of Police in Rushford. In 1972, she became the Executive Secretary and chief bookkeeper at the Greater Winona Area United Way. She held the position for 22 years. She retired in June of 1994. In the years that they were retired, Ruth and Jay enjoyed traveling both inside the United States and abroad. Ruth is survived by her four children, Laura Summers, Yorkshire, England, Michael Summers, Oklahoma City, OK, James (Sharon) Summers, Winona, MN, Guy Summers, LaCrescent, MN. She is also survived by 4 grandchildren Christopher, Kate Ruth, Zachary and Jacob. She is also survived by 5 sisters; Helen (Mrs. Art) Houge, Houston, MN, Margery (Mrs. John) Hanson, Downers Grove, IL, Shirley (Beryl) Lee, Houston, MN, Marion (Mrs. Edgar) Liendecker, Hixson, TN, and Patricia (Mrs. Roger) Wahl, Neillsville, WI. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Jay who died December 1, 2004, a sister Jean Graves, and 2 brothers Robert and Paul Wilcox. Funeral services will be at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, December 29, 2004 at Money Creek Methodist Church. Rev. Fauntie Wilcoxon will be the officiant. Visitation will be on Tuesday, December 28 at Hoff Funeral Homes-Rushford Chapel from 5-8 P.M., and one hour before the service at the church. Burial will be in Money Creek Cemetery.