Anna Jacqueline Kembel Summers

Anna Jacqueline Kembel Summers

Oct. 28, 1928 – Aug. 12, 2023

Jackie Kembel Summers died on Aug. 12, 2023, at the age of 94 after a long illness. Brownie, as she was also known, is survived by daughters Carol Summers and Mary Summers both of Spokane, niece Peggy Kembel Bech of Spokane, nephews Carl Eckhardt, Surprise, Ariz., niece Jean Coppers and nephew John Coppers, Tom McLain, Chewelah, Wash., and Dennis McLain, Phoenix, Ariz. and all of their wonderful children and grandchildren.

Jackie is also survived by the children of her lifelong college friend Alice Berg (Aunt Alice). Her daughters, Lois Berq-Craig, Montrose, Colo. and Beth Berg and son Drew Berq, both of Spokane.

Jackie was born on Oct. 28, 1928 in Ritzville, Wash. Her pharmacist father owned the Ritzville Drug Store and Jackie often worked behind the soda fountain. She was the youngest of four and her siblings doted on their little sister. Many cousins lived nearby and the families enjoyed that closeness of a small community. She attended Ritzville High School (46) and then went on to Washington State University. In 1950 she earned her Bachelor of Arts in General Studies. While at WSU, she joined her family in the joy and heartbreak of Cougar football, which she looked forward to every fall until the end. She was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority and delighted in the friendships she made there, which continued throughout their lives. One of her favorite activities was "Kappa Bridge" here in Spokane where she played until she could no longer see the cards.

After college she married Ralph E. Summers, Jr.(div) and settled in Spokane and started a family. Once the girls were in school, Jackie began what was to become a long career with Spokane Public Schools. She started as a classroom teacher but soon changed to elementary librarian. She worked with students all over District 81 including Pratt, Indian Trail, Adams, and Hutton. She was at Hutton for many years and enjoyed enduring relationships with the teachers and staff and sharing her love of reading with her students. Mid-way through her career, Jackie went back to school and earned a Masters Degree from Whitworth University. After she retired, Jackie met with the other retired librarians who lunched and visited monthly.

Besides being a single working mom, Jackie was a longtime, loyal member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, which encourages and benefits women's education. Not only was she an enthusiastic fundraiser and organizer, Jackie always had a casserole ready for a member in need. She made lifelong friends through her association with the organization, where her ability to talk to anyone and make them feel comfortable served her, the organization, and the community well.

Jackie lived in her yellow house near Manito Park and Duncan Gardens for 70 years. She attended all the get togethers and entertained on her back porch, acted as the neighborhood grandmother (encouraging the kids to further their educations), loaned out tools, and often shared a kettle of soup or plate of cookies. She took pride in her home and yard, making it an asset to the block.

We'd like to thank Providence Home Health, Home Instead, and Hospice of Spokane for the wonderful care they provided, making it possible for our mother to spend her last days in her own home with her daughters heading up the crew.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The PEO Foundation (3700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312) or Hospice of Spokane.