Barbara Summy

Barbara Jo Summy, age 87, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 22, 2022 at Kavanagh on 56th, with her family by her side.

Barbara was born October 8, 1934 in Des Moines, Iowa to George and Lola (Harvey) Oaks. She was a graduate of East High School in Des Moines, Class of 1952. She was an Army Veteran of the Korean War, where she was stationed in Germany and did clerical work for a General. Barbara had a strong faith and loved Jesus. Her home was always open and she would help anyone in need. Barbara had an affinity for cats, and strays would often find a welcome home with her. She loved to travel and her favorite destination was Europe. Barbara volunteered at St. Theresa’s in the mentoring grandparent program. She got her first tattoo with her granddaughters at age 80, and then continued to get some more.

She is survived by her son, Stephen (Christine) Foreman; granddaughters, Stephanie (Brad) White and Ashley Foreman; great-grandchildren, Faith (Caleb Christich) White, Issac White, and Jayden White; great-great-granddaughter, Elora White; and her step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, George and Lola Oaks; first husband, James Albert Foreman; her second husband, Leonard Dean Summy; step-children, Mike Summy, Melody Minshall, Kathy Hastie, and Kelly Summy; and her siblings, Betty McDaniel and Phyllis Carpenter.

Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by funeral service at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, August 2, 2022 at First Church of the Open Bible, 2200 Beaver Avenue, Des Moines. Burial with military honors will take place at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday at Iowa Veterans Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to EveryStep Hospice – Kavanagh House on 56th Street (900 56th St, Des Moines, IA 50312) or Rescue Rehab Rehome (4520 95th St, Urbandale, IA 50322).

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

Print