Wanda Summers

Wanda Florence Griffin Summers (91) passed away at her home in Aberdeen, Idaho surrounded by family on Saturday, March 9, 2024.  

Wanda was born on June 23, 1932, the eighth child of Henry and Mary Griffin in Rigby Idaho.   Wanda attended elementary and junior high in Rigby.   When Wanda was a freshman in high school, her parents sold their farm in Rigby Idaho and moved to Marindale Ave in Logan, UT where Wanda graduated from Logan High School in 1951.

After high school Wanda attended college and worked at Glauser's Café.   She was working there when she met George Summers.  On their first date, Wanda was sitting by the door opposite George.  A few blocks away from her home, George pulled over and said, “Slide over or get out.”   Wanda slid over next to George.  Wanda commented several times that she didn’t know why she didn’t just get out and walk home since she didn’t even know George that well.  That slide and date blossomed into true love, and they were married in Logan on November 4, 1953, and later sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple on March 28, 1964.

Shortly after they were married George accepted a position working in Aberdeen, ID where two of Wanda’s sisters lived.  Only eleven months after they were married, they welcomed their first child, a daughter, Patricia “Patty” and 11 months later a son, George “Wayne.”   Charlene joined the family a few years later.  Neal joined the family next and then Alan came and completed their family.

Wanda worked in the harvest for many years until she accepted what started out as a part time job working at Aberdeen City Hall.  Not long after she started, it became a full-time position, and she became the City Clerk in 1972, retiring in 1998.

Wanda was a great cook, and enjoyed making Christmas candy, and giving it to family, and friends.  Wanda was also a great seamstress and made many of the clothes that her children wore in those early years.  She was always working on a project either quilting, knitting, or crocheting.

Wanda was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  She served in many callings in the Scouts, Primary and Relief Society.  She was always willing to provide a meal or help someone in need.  She lived a life of service to her family, friends, and community.  

Her greatest love was her family.  It started with her husband George, and extended to her children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, and nephews.  After their retirement, Wanda and George went to dance recitals, baptisms, sporting events, and everything they could for their grandchildren.  They brought them so much joy and happiness.  

After George’s death in 2015, Wanda continued to serve and keep herself busy with Women’s Club and Indexing.  The last few winters Wanda has spent with Patty and Kelly in St George.  She wasn’t excited about it at first, but loved the warmer weather, and being able to walk outside more easily.

Wanda is preceded in death by husband George, a son-in-law, John Silvester, daughter-in-law, Stephanie Summers her parents, Henry and Mary and her siblings Laura, Henry “Hank”, Juanita, Kerney, Victoria, Mary and LaVon “Bonnie”.

She leaves behind her children, Patty and Kelly Bolingbroke (Soda Springs & St George), Wayne and Joy Summers (Abilene, TX), Charlene Silverster (Brigham City, UT), Neal Summers (Sandy, UT) and Alan and Tina Summers (Aberdeen) and the best grandchildren ever; Summer Bridge; GW Summers; Rebecca Hattaway; Jennifer Ruiz; Nettie Hammond; Autumn Lindholm; Jon Summers; Eric Silvester; Michael Silvester; Drew Bolingbroke; Brittney Harlow; Nathan Silvester;   Elizabeth Summers; Logan Summers; Sydney Summers; Noah Summers; and Olivia Summers; and 40 great grandchildren.   

Wanda and George leave behind a legacy of love for family, and service.  All because Wanda made the decision to slide over, and not get out.

Funeral services will be Monday March 18th at 12:00 pm, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, at 149 West Central Avenue, Aberdeen, Idaho. A viewing will be held before the funeral, from 11:00-11:45 am.  Interment will be the Aberdeen Cemetery.  To order flowers, or to share condolences, memories, and photos, please visit DavisRoseMortuary.com.