Loretta M. Howard-Summers          “former Shinglehouse, PA resident”

NIAGARA FALLS, NY—Loretta M. Howard-Summers, 97, of Niagara Falls, NY, formerly of Shinglehouse, passed away in her home with her loving family by her side, on Monday, July 1, 2024.

Born on Friday, November 5, 1926 in East Sharon, PA, she was a daughter of Wayne and Celestia Terrette Taylor. In April of 1944, she married Kenneth R. T. Howard who passed away on November 7, 1991.  On June 10, 1995 in North Tonawanda, she married Robert A. “Bob” Summers, who survives.

Loretta attended Shinglehouse High School.  Loretta and her first husband were the general managers of the KOA Campground on Grand Island. 

She was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church in Niagara Falls.  She enjoyed camping, visiting with her family, and playing card games.  She was a wonderful baker. Loretta loved her family and loved serving the Lord.

Left to cherish her memory are her six children, Linda (late William) Wilkinson of Buffalo, Judy (late Kirk) Belmont of Elizabethtown, PA, Nancy (Tom) Sicko of Clifton Park, Jolene (Harry) Allen of Niagara Falls, Kenneth Jr. (Sue) Howard of Elizabethtown, PA, and Lesha (Neal) Campbell of Youngstown; four step-children, David Summers, Sue Summers, Robert (Sunny) Summers, and Robbin (Thomas) Messinger; seventeen grandchildren, William Wilkinson, Christopher (Kelly) Wilkinson, Robert (Sherry) Wilkinson, Susan (Larry) St. Cyr, Kirk (Valerie) Belmont, Kathleen (Lowell) Olsen, Kevin (Sheryl) Belmont, Timothy (Katie) Sicko, Michelle (John) Hickok, Shawn (Amanda)Allen, Krysta (Ronald) Wilson, Joshua (Christy) Howard, Daniel (Nicole) Howard, Stephen Howard, Joelle (Jeremiah) Bateman, Kenneth  (Adina) Campbell, and Scott (Bridget) Campbell; three step-grandchildren, Alexis (Ben) Cunningham, Alanna (John) Linden, and Jonathan Summers; forty-seven great-grandchildren; twelve great-great-grandchildren; two step-great-grandchildren; five siblings, John Taylor of Lock Haven, PA, Donna Fetzer of Shinglehouse, PA, Wayne “Buzz” (Marge) Taylor of Wellsboro, PA, Carl (Barbara) Taylor of Little Genesee, and Tresa (Terry) Beckwith of Mechanville; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and first husband, Loretta was predeceased by two great-grandchildren, Luke Belmont and Jonah Allen; a sister, Beulah Edwards; and a brother, Victor Taylor.

Family and friends may call from 12 noon to 2pm on Monday, July 8, 2024, at Grace Bible Independent Baptist Church, 392 Coons Crossing Road, Shinglehouse, PA, where funeral services will follow at 2pm with the Rev. Curtis King, pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, Niagara Falls, officiating.

Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Shinglehouse, PA.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Loretta’s name may be made to Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Drive, Lockport, NY 14094.

Loretta’s family entrusted her care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, PA.

To express condolences, light a candle or share a fond memory of Loretta, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.