Kathryn R. Shirk Summers

Kathryn R. Summers, born August 3, 1938, as the youngest child of John Jacob and Mabel Good of Weaverland, PA was discharged from hospice and slipped peacefully into eternity on the evening of January 1, 2026, surrounded by her family at home.

She had many adventures in life, spanning from working as a nurse’s aide and a patient care technician in a nursing home to traveling around the country as a truck driver. Her real passion, however, was as an historical interpreter - first at President Andrew Jackson’s home, the Hermitage, in Old Hickory, TN and, more recently, at the Historic Poole Forge in Narvon, PA.

She liked to laugh and tell stories. She enjoyed spending time with friends and family alike, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. And when the time came, she faced the end of her life without fear.

Kathryn is survived by her confidant, friend, and sister, Anna Mae Wise. Left to cherish her memory are her children: Roy & Pat Shirk, Donna & Steve Kaunike, Norma Shirk, Esq, Lynn Shirk & Carolyn James; her grandchildren: Nicole Shirk, Nathan & Kimberly Shirk, Sam Kaunike, Micky Kaunike, and Leny Begley-Shirk; and her great-grandchildren: Addison, Abigail, Alanna, Aliza, and Adrian Shirk. She is preceded in death by her brothers and sisters, her husbands Paul Shirk and William Summers, her sons James Nelson and Christopher Lee Shirk, and her grandson Michael Shirk.

Her funeral will be held on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Weaverland Anabaptist Faith Community. A viewing will be held at the church one hour prior to the service. The Eckenroth Home for Funerals, Terre Hill, is in charge of arrangements.