Shirley L. Summerill

Shirley Summerill, a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away on July 4, 2025, at Fieldstone Memory Care in Silverdale, from complications following a fall. She was 91.

She was born on September 3, 1933, in Coolidge, Arizona, to Bede and Carolyn Davis. Shirley grew up in Rogue River, Oregon, and often recalled learning to swim in the Rogue River. She attended Whitworth College, where she met Peter Summerill. At graduation, he was drafted, and during his absence, they exchanged over 100 letters. When he returned from the Navy, they were married in Grants Pass, Oregon, on August 21, 1954.

After two years in Ellensburg, Washington they settled in Manchester, Washington, where they built a house that Shirley lovingly made into a home. She enjoyed canning peaches, making homemade root beer, and hosting friends from church for Fourth of July celebrations and other occasions. Shirley and Pete shared 44 years of marriage and raised three children: David, Michael, and Kara.

Shirley worked as a receptionist at a doctor’s office in Ellensburg while Pete completed his master’s degree in 1967-68. Later, she served as an office worker and librarian for the South Kitsap School District for 25 years. Her life was marked with faith in God and they were longtime members of Manchester Community Church and later Harper Church of Port Orchard.

Her trust in God and her deep understanding of His love for everyone shaped the way she cared for and extended kindness to others. Even in her final years she always had a smile and encouraged those who cared for her at Fieldstone Memory Care by telling them what a great job they were doing.

She leaves behind her son, David Summerill from Florida, and daughter, Kara Summerill from Bremerton; her sister-in-law, Dorothy Soulnier from Seattle; and her grandchildren—David’s children Briana, Craig, Kaitlyn, and Lindsey, and Kara’s children Whitney and Mikaela. She is also survived by beloved great-grandchildren—Briana’s children Luci and Eli, Whitney’s daughter Sophia, and Mikaela's daughters Alaina and Adriana—as well as beloved nieces and nephews—Kathy, Paul, Desiree, Kedrick, Kevin, Kurt, Karen, and Kris—and many great-nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Peter Summerill; her son, Michael Summerill; her parents, Bede and Carolyn Davis; and all of her siblings—Richard, Donny, Chuck, Betty, and Junior.

A memorial service will be held on September 7, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at Harper Church, 10384 Sedgewick Rd. SE, Port Orchard, WA 98366.

Memorial donations may be made to: The Coffee Oasis: The Coffee Oasis Administration Office Dave Frederick Admin Building 837 4th St. Bremerton, WA 98337

Shirley’s steadfast trust in God, her generosity, and joyful spirit touched everyone who knew her. We cherish the memories she gave us, and because we share her faith in God, we are comforted knowing we will see her again.