Kathryn Ann Summers

Kathryn Ann Summers, 90, of Silvis, IL, passed away at the University of Iowa Hospital surrounded by immediate family on April 26, 2026. Despite the highly skilled care she received in the ICU, Kathryn died from a devastating brain bleed after a fall.

Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at Christ the King Catholic Church (3209 60th St. Moline, IL 61265). The Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday at the church, with the burial at Moline Memorial Park’s Niches directly afterwards. Cremation rites will be accorded. Esterdahl Mortuary and Crematory, Ltd., Moline are assisting the family with arrangements. Memorials may be made to Christ the King Catholic Church or to a Local Food Drive.

Kathryn was born on April 13, 1936, in Joliet, IL, the eldest child of Della (Macaluso) and John Owens. She graduated from Coal City High School in 1954 and went to work at the Joliet Ammunition Plant. She married Morris (Bud) Summers on December 8, 1956, at Assumption Church, Coal City, IL, where they built their home and raised three daughters.

Playing a major supportive and nurturing role in her daughters’ education and activities kept Kathryn very busy. She was a Girl Scout leader throughout her daughters’ childhoods.

When the family moved to Eldridge, IA, in 1973, Kathryn volunteered in local elementary education and eventually was hired full-time at Rock Island Arsenal, retiring in 1992. They built a retirement home at Lake Shelbyville and enjoyed volunteering for community projects like the Food Bank and the easy pace of retired life until they returned to the Quad Cities in 2003.

Kathryn’s strong faith and deeply held beliefs defined her attitudes and actions. She worked with her church’s Social Concerns committee and volunteered for other charitable organizations. Kathryn also adopted many ‘honorary’ children, grandchildren, and godchildren. She generously shared her time, wisdom, and skills with them and they loved her for that. Kathryn was a Cubs fan who enjoyed baseball as well as camping, traveling, and gardening. She was an amazing cook and a star baker creating legendary Christmas cookies and her famous rum cake.

Kathryn was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 66 years, Bud Summers, her much loved daughter Karla Summers Day, her sister Nancy Owens and her parents, Jack and Della Owens. She is survived by her daughter Karen Summers of Silvis, her daughter and son-in-law Kim and Vincent O’Brien of Mablethorpe, England and Karla’s widower, Michael Day of Coal Valley.

Memories may be shared online by visiting esterdahl.com.