Laura M. Summers

Laura M. Summers, age 96 of Rogersville MO, passed away on June 6, 2016 in her home following a brief illness. She was born April 6, 1920 in Natoma KS to Walter and Clara (John) Pfortmiller. Laura, oldest of 5 siblings, grew up on the family farm in Natoma KS where many sacrifices had to be made. Laura learned many skills from life's experience and perseverance and had a rock solid faith. She worked hard with her family on the farm and later for her country assembling aircraft engines for Pratt and Whitney during the war effort. She married Howard T. Summers Aug 22, 1945 in Denver CO and moved to KC and Lee's Summit Mo where she worked many years for Veterinarian Dr. Hertzog. She was a standout employee at Marion Labs in KC for 10 years until retiring. She was recognized and celebrated as an outstanding worker who amazed her younger counterparts. Throughout her work history though, Laura's love of collies, basenji's and saluki dog breeds were intertwined with her real passion for Arabian horses. Starting small, she bred and acquired a select group of stock that became well known in the Midwest as Summer's Arabians. Laura loved all her horses but especially the grand patriarch stallion, Lucky 5 Tonka. Laura moved to the Rogersville MO area in 1994 on acreage to further develop the Polish blood lines of her stock. But she developed much more than the Arab breed. She became a dear friend to all she met. What she gave to people in knowledge and wisdom was magnified 100 times over what her formal education would have normally provided. Her riches were not of the world but of her spirit that she freely gave, not asking; always giving. Laura may not be rich or famous. She won't have a star on Hollywood Blvd. But she is wealthy beyond all measure in her relationships and her unwavering faith in our Savior. Laura leaves behind a void that will never be filled and a legacy that will never be equaled. PRECEEDED IN DEATH BY: Her parents, brothers HOWARD (HAP) PFORTMILLER, DELMAR PFORTMILLER and sister, ORDELLA (PFORTMILLER) ZECKSER. Survivors include: SISTER - LUCILLE (PFORTMILLER) SNODGRASS, DODGE CITY, KS BROTHER - ORVILLE PFORTMILLER, NATOMA, KS STEP-SON - GARY MERRITT, SHAWNEE, KS NIECES: TISH LOVETT ROBIN CAGLE BECKY MANGUS TERRI RATHER SUSIE LOONEY BONNIE SIMON SARAH (SOPHIE) SHERLEY LISA PFORTMILLER NEPHEWS: SCOTT PFORTMILLER RICK PFORTMILLER DOUG ZECKSER She leaves behind 5 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. A Celebration of Life will be held for Laura at 1pm, Sat, July 16, 2016 at the Venues Church, 2616 E Battlefield Rd, Springfield, MO 65804. Arrangements by Adams Funeral Home Ozark, Missouri: (417) 581-2400. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Heritage Church, Springfield, Integrity Hospice, or the charity of the donor's choice.