Ruth Joan Summey, age 80 of Centreville, passed away Friday, April 25th at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo. Joan was born in Mongo, IN on May 17, 1933 to Floren and Kathryn (Wilson) Reed. She graduated Hasting High School in 1951 and married George K. Summey (Centreville) on July 9, 1955 in Angola, IN.



Joan was an accomplished artist. In her personal time, she could always be found engrossed in a project. Her many talents included painting, drawing, pottery, photography, handcrafting jewelry, doll-making, knitting, and sewing. Already mother to 5 children, she pursued a Bachelor of Science in Art from Western Michigan University and graduated Cum Laude in August 1971.



Joan's many professions were extensions of her artistic nature. She was a professional cake decorator and photographed home listings for the St. Joseph County Realtor. She owned Weeds wallpaper store in Centreville where she enjoyed helping customers with interior design.



Joan was an active member of her community. She was on the Village Council in Centreville and also served as Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce. She spent several years serving as the Worthy Matron for the Three Rivers (#210) Order of the Eastern Star. Joan was also a dual member of Paw Paw & Lawton 257 OES.



Joan is survived by her husband George Summey of Centreville, her children: Valorie Denys of Irmo, SC, Melanie Sloniger of Louisville, KY, John Summey and his wife Kathy of Bronson, J. LaRaine Summey of Centreville, Georgi Mayer of Missoula, MT and her sisters: Rita Reed of Three Rivers, Donna Reed of IL and Diana Curtiss and her husband Chuck of IL. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother David F. Reed.



Joan's grandchildren include Stephanie Tapp and her husband Jonathan of Las Cruces, NM, Benjaman Sloniger of Louisville, KY, Kris Summey and his wife Margie of Bronson, Aaron Marabeas and his wife Julie of Howe, IN, Dan Wagner of Centreville, Troy Summey and his wife Crystal of Bronson, Cat Sloniger of Jeffersonville, IN, Mike Wagner of Centreville, Katie Mittler and her husband Nate of Bronson, Melissa Blue and her husband Greg of Butte, MT, Andrew Sloniger of Chicago, Joanna Reeves and her husband Kyle of Missoula, MT, Robbie Mayer of Missoula, MT, Tony Mayer of Missoula, and Brenda, Tonya, Jelesa, and Kaliah Denys of Irmo, SC. Joan's great-grandchildren number 24 and counting.



Relatives and friends will be received Monday from 2 – 4 pm and 6 - 8 pm at Eley Funeral Home in Centreville. An Eastern Star Service will be held at 11:00 am Tuesday, April 29th at Centreville United Methodist Church. Religious Services will follow at 11:30 am. Interment will be in the Prairie River Cemetery in Centreville. At the family's request, any donations should be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.