Iris M Summers

Iris’ life began on February 6, 1925, in Springfield, MO. She was the daughter of Edward and Cora Mae (Ward) Raffety. Iris attended school in Springfield and on August 30, 1941, she was united in marriage to John Henry Summers, Sr. in Springfield. They were married for 68 years. During World War II, Iris worked at the Parson’s Defense Plant and later she became an operator for American Telephone and Telegraph, connecting calls on an old-fashioned switchboard. She spent much of her later working life in retail sales. Following the War, John and Iris lived in Colorado Springs for over 40 years where they raised their family. She was lovingly called “Meme” by her grandchildren. She was a long-time member of the West Pikes Peak Church of Christ where she enjoyed teaching Sunday school and ladies’ classes. She enjoyed trips to the mountains and loved the scenery, especially in the fall. In 1985 she and John retired and relocated to Marion, KS. Her life in Marion allowed her to participate in several area groups including the Neo Century Club, Sweet Adelines, the American Cancer Society, St. Luke’s Hospital Auxiliary and volunteer secretary for the local Marion congregation. She was an active volunteer in the early days of Art in the Park in Marion and helped establish the St. Luke’s Auxiliary Thrift Store. Iris had an artistic nature that she expressed through painting and taking art classes at Butler Community College when they were housed in the Bown-Corby School building. She journaled and wrote poetry as well. Iris was a member of the Church of Christ in McPherson. She will be remembered for her positive attitude and sweet personality. Her greatest joy was her family which includes her children John (Lynna) Summers, Jr. of Ponca City, Jane (Richard) O’Connor of Marion, Virginia (Ron) Mauck of Benton and Edward Summers of Marion; grandchildren Jenny (David) Jones, Scott (Amber) Summers, Heather Summers, Mike (Christine) O’Connor, Lena (Sam) Hall, Tracy (Kourt) Klaassen, and Matt (Kim) Mauck; and great grandchildren Amelia (Armando) Camacho, Haleigh and Moira Jones, Logan and Colin Summers, Jaelynn and Amaya Summers, Pat, Sean and Madelyn O’Connor, Dylan and Drew Klaassen, Katelyn, Cameron and Kennedy Mauck. Iris passed away on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at St. Luke’s Living Center. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband John, brother Gardner Jeffery and grandson Howard O’Connor. Her family will gather with friends on January 25th at 1:00 pm for her memorial service at Yazel Megli Funeral Home, Marion. Memorial contributions in her name may be directed to the St. Luke’s Hospital Auxiliary, the Know Your Bible program or the Marion County Food Bank. Please sign her online guestbook and leave a memory of Iris at www.yazelmeglifh.com.