Ronald Summers Obituary

Ronald Lee Summers, 69, of Three Rivers, passed away at his home on Thursday, July 25, 2024, following a brief illness.

He was born on April 19, 1955, in South Bend, Indiana, the son of Harvey and Mildred (Nichols) Summers. On Feb. 14, 2020, He would marry Margie Avery in Three Rivers.

Ron was a simple man who enjoyed the simple things in life: work, softball, golf and family. Ron worked in the RV industry for over 50 years, starting his career at Holiday Rambler, moving onto Four Winds and Monaco, then retiring from Lippert in February of 2024. He was also employed by the City of Elkhart, with the duty of concessions manager for the surrounding athletic venues.

Anyone who knew Ron was aware of his love for the game of softball. He was an umpire for the USA/ASA (Amateur Softball Association) for over 40 years. Ron umpired multiple slow-pitch national championships, a multitude of games in the Elkhart, Nappanee and Goshen areas, and was inducted into the ASA Hall of Fame in 2014. When he wasn't working, or umpiring, or golfing, Ron enjoyed spending time with his loving family, even taking a family trip with over 40 family members; where he talked about softball the entire trip.

Ron is survived by his loving wife, Margie; seven children, Kelly (Carol) Watkins, Candy (Harold) Wright, Cindy (Tommy) Farris, Angela (Mike) Keres, Jeremy (Candice) Summers, Troy Watkins and Jennifer (Michael) Burelison; 14 grandchildren, Brandi (Jose') Garcia, Kyle (Susan) Wright, Austin (Abby) Farris, Hailey (Nicholas) Smith, Austin Watkins, Brandon Kores, Jeremy (Karri) Czerkiewicz, Kyle Keres, Ashlyn Summers, David Charles, Connor Charles, Kyla Winters, Michael (Leah) Wright and Melissa Wright; 21 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; siblings Terry (Karen) Summers, Darlene (Dick) Snyder, Sherry Summers, Joseph "Rick" (Rebecca) Summers, Mary Munger and Bruce (Stephanie) Summers; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Harvey and Mildred Summers, brother Steve Summers, sister Carol Durham and an infant child.

In keeping with family wishes, cremation is being conducted. A celebration of Ron's life will take place on Sunday, Aug. 4, at 2 p.m. at Creekside Church of the Brethren, 60455 C.R. 113, Elkhart, IN 46517. Following the memorial service, food will be provided and more stories will be shared. Condolences and memories may be expressed to the family at eickhofffuneralhome.com.