Velma Fay (Hornberger) Summers

Velma Fay Summers, 92, of Massillon, went home to be with the Lord on February 2, 2023. She was born March 8, 1930 to the late Lowell and Gail (Haverstock) Hornberger. She was a 1948 graduate of Washington High School and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Malone College in 1996 after years of going to classes at night while working full time. Velma worked at Republic Steel and retired from the Ohio Bureau of Employment Services after 27 years of service in 1987.

She married Lloyd Summers in 1951 and they celebrated 56 years together before he passed away in 2007. She was a faithful member of Christ United Church of Christ in Massillon for her entire life and served as a Sunday School teacher for over 40 years. She was also a graduate of the UCC Partners in Ministry Program as a lay pastor and served in this position for 20 years. She was a deeply religious person and spent her life sharing her faith through her compassion and caring for others in need, not only spiritually but in any way needed.

Velma was dedicated to her family and planned many activities and vacations to bring everyone together. She loved traveling and photography, leaving a record of almost 50 photo albums from her adventures. She was a talented cook and enjoyed sharing her talents with family and friends. It was not uncommon to find a gift of baked goods on your porch from Velma. She was an avid reader and a strong supporter of the Massillon Public Library. Her loving nature, comfort and wisdom will be missed deeply by her friends and family. She was an amazing woman.

She is preceded in death by her parents, brother Donald (Lois) Hornberger and her husband Lloyd Summers. She is survived by her children: Michael (Leah) Summers and Kathy (David) Varga; grandchildren: Zara (Rob) Carr, Ryan (Natalie) Varga, and Michael Varga (girlfriend Katie Austin); great-grandchildren: Osgood Carr and Maggie Varga, and family friend Laura Smallsreed.

Velma requested no calling hours, and a Memorial Celebration of Life service will be held later this Spring, her favorite month. Following cremation, she will be laid to rest at Christ United Church of Christ Cemetery in Massillon. Memorial contributions may also be made to the church in her name. The family would like to thank the staff at Brewster Parke and Mercy Hospice for their loving care of Velma. Arrangements have been entrusted to Atkinson Feucht Hare Funeral Home in Massillon. Your memories and condolences are always welcome and may be added to our online guestbook at www.atkinsonfeucht.com

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