Helen Elizabeth Summers

Helen Elizabeth Summers (nee Ballinger) was born on February 11, 1931 in Kenton, Ohio to Reverend William E. Ballinger and Mildred Ballinger (nee Jester). Her formative years were spent throughout much of Ohio as her father was moved to multiple Methodist churches in the West Ohio Conference. After graduating from Arlington High School, she attended Taylor University, Upland IN, where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech & Dramatics. A one-year position as Youth Director at Bethlehem United Methodist Church in Cincinnati, OH, facilitated a meeting with her future husband, Donald L. Summers, whom she married in 1954. After settling in Cincinnati she and Don raised three children, Rochelle, Kimberley, and Stephen. Her church work continued throughout the years, serving as secretary to several churches in the Cincinnati area, and assuming the role of pastor’s wife during Don’s tenure as pastor at the Belfast and Perintown United Methodist Churches. After Don’s passing in 2004 Helen forged a life as a widow, maintaining her own residence and continuing to attend services at Belfast United Methodist Church, and eventually at Goshen United Methodist Church and Faith Church Milford. In early 2022 she moved to the Central Florida area where she enjoyed life in the sunshine. She is survived by daughter Rochelle McBride (Lynn), son Stephen Summers, brother Charles Ballinger (Venita), sister Ruth Schreller, grandchildren Brad McBride (Allison), David McBride, and Rachel Sharpe (Devon), great-grandchildren Quinn McBride and Ian McBride, special niece Kristina Landgraf (John) along with other numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be at Evans Funeral Home - Milford 741 Center Street Milford, Ohio 45150 Thursday January26, 2023, from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM followed by a graveside service at Greenlawn Cemetery 687 A US-50 Milford, Ohio 45150 at 2:15 PM.