Louise Summers

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Louise Summers, 86, who left this world on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at Christian Care Assisted Living. A woman of warmth and resilience, Louise's life was a testament to her love for family, her joy in simple pleasures, and her enduring spirit.

Born in Mendon, Louisiana, on April 24, 1939, to Luther Ross and Elsie Henderson, Louise was part of a large and vibrant family. At a young age, following the early passing of her mother, she moved to Muskegon, Michigan, where she was lovingly raised by her older sister, Lillian. This early chapter shaped the caring and nurturing woman she would become. For over 30 years, Louise was married to Willie Summers Jr., whom she raised five children with in Chicago, IL. Though they later divorced, they remained cherished friends until his passing on June 19, 2021.

Louise dedicated her life to her family, serving as the heart of their home. Her role as a homemaker extended beyond her own children, as she lovingly cared for nearly every grandchild, many nieces, nephews, and cousins, leaving an indelible mark on multiple generations. Though her primary focus was family, she also worked for a short time at Polynesian Pools in Holland.

Her home on McIlwraith Street in Muskegon Heights was a place of joy and activity. Louise was a fantastic cook, and she loved to host gatherings filled with laughter, card games like Spades, and dominoes. She had a green thumb, taking great pride in her beautiful yard and garden, and she generously shared her knowledge of flowers and plants. An animal lover, her life was enriched by many pets, most notably her beloved dogs, Bigfoot, Tiny, and Daisy. In her younger years, she enjoyed traveling and feeling the freedom of the open road on motorcycle rides with Ted.

Louise is survived by her loving children: Dakota (Clarence) Durga, Curtis Summers, and John (Kristi) Summers. She will be forever cherished by her grandchildren: Brandis Howard, Dwayne (Alexis) Howard, Christopher Ross, Teba Summers, Ashley (Desmond) Dowdell, Raymond Copeland, Michael Copeland, Winter Copeland, Curtis Summers Jr., Carlando Paggett, Mariah Summers, John Summers Jr., and Jayla Summers; sisters, Grace Andrews and Linda Colbert as well as a host of great-grandchildren and several great-great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and dear relatives. She was preceded in death by her parents, her former husband Willie, her son Van Allen Ross, daughter, Sylvia Summers, grandson, Raymond Copeland, grand daughters, Brandis Howard, Asia Copeland, great-great grandson, Tayvon Watson and her siblings: Lillian Thompson, Marsha Ross, Charles James "C.J." Ross, "Duba" Ross, and James Ross.

Though she was a member of Queen Esther Baptist Church, her most profound sanctuary was her home and the family she so lovingly built. Her legacy of love, strength, and unwavering dedication to family will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

A Funeral service to celebrate Louise's life will be held at Clock Funeral Home on Monday, April 6, 2026 at 12 Noon. Pastor Jeffrey Hough from Angel Community Church in Muskegon will officiate. The family will receive friends for a viewing one hour prior prior to the service. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guestbook.