Kathleen (Timothy) Summers

Kathleen Timothy Summers (February 20, 1947 – February 15, 2026) passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home in Pleasant View, Utah, at the age of 78.

She was born in Vernal, Utah, the oldest daughter of Kenneth Earl and Jenny Luana (Workman) Timothy.

Kathleen graduated from South High School in Salt Lake City in 1965 and earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Utah State University in 1971. At her very core, she was an educator. While earning her degree, she completed five minors, including one in music. Wherever she taught, she organized school choirs, believing that music brought children together and created a joyful environment for learning. She often said she was grateful for the many piano lessons her mother insisted she take, as playing the piano helped her secure her very first teaching position.

While attending Utah State University, she met a football player nicknamed Riley. His given name was Sheldon Summers, but everyone called him Riley. They were pinned on February 14, 1968, at the Sigma Chi House at Utah State and were married in Salt Lake City on March 19, 1968. Together they built a life centered on family and education and were blessed with one daughter, Shelly Ann.

Kathleen taught in several schools and districts throughout Utah, primarily teaching fourth through sixth grades. She spent most of her career in the Ogden City and Davis School Districts. She retired in 2000 from the Davis School District, where she had been honored as Teacher of the Year and served as a Reading Specialist.

Teaching was not just her profession — it was her calling. She shaped the lives of countless students, instilling in them not only academic skills but confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning. Many former students remained in touch, sharing how deeply she influenced their lives. Among those students was her own daughter, who had the unique blessing of having her mother as her sixth-grade teacher — an experience that brought both pride and lifelong appreciation. Her legacy lives on in generations of students who carry forward the lessons she taught.

Kathleen created book clubs wherever she lived and was always ready for shopping trips or long lunches with friends. Her friendships were lasting and meaningful, and many friends became like family. The trips they took together and the memories they made were stories she loved to retell.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved husband. She is survived by her siblings, Kaylynn Pearce (Rocky) of Hurricane, Utah, and Kent Timothy (Teri) of South Jordan, Utah; her daughter, Shelly Anderson (Tim) of Pleasant View; three grandchildren, Katelyn (Mathis) Dudley, Sam Mathis (Meg), and Grace Mathis; three great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews who held a special place in her heart.

The family extends a special thank you to Canyon Home Health Care and Hospice for their love, compassion, and devoted care over the past four years.

A Celebration of Life will be held June 27 at the family home in Pleasant View, Utah. Her ashes will be interred at Brigham City Cemetery beside her husband.