Dorla Dean (Rector) Summers, 91, was called to her heavenly home after a short illness Thursday, October 14, 2021, at her home in Brookline, MO.  Dorla was born March 25, 1930, in Argo, Crawford County, Missouri. She was the third of six children born to Frank and Elsie (Neumann) Rector. Dorla was united in marriage to Kelley Neil Summers November 11, 1950, and to this union eight children were born.

After Kelley's death in 1972, Dorla was tasked with raising their eight children, two of whom had Muscular Dystrophy and relied on wheelchairs. Dorla was a living example of how to meet life's challenges head-on. She was never one to complain or feel sorry for herself. Instead, she tackled problems with a positive attitude and her faith. She taught her children to do the same. Dorla managed the completion of construction on the family home Kelley was building at the time of his death. She raised their kids and spent the rest of her life in the home. Dorla was a ceaseless advocate for her children. She emphasized the importance of education and encouraged them in school activities and sports. She was active with the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Dorla had successful careers with Mary Kay and Wal-Mart. She hosted large family gatherings with ease and often invited others as well. Dorla was an amazing cook, and she was especially well-known for baking delicious pies. She enjoyed socializing, bowling in leagues, and dancing at the Elks Lodge. Dorla was a life-long Christian and a member of Wesley United Methodist Church. She looked forward to the candlelight Christmas Eve service every year. For years, she greeted church members at the door with her beautiful smile and her joyful heart.

In addition to her parents and her husband, Dorla was preceded in death by two brothers, Bud and Vernon Rector; two sisters, Helen Lewis and Rita Sowards; two sons, Keith and Danny Summers; one daughter, Susie Summers; a son-in-law, Mike McCarty, and a grandson, Matthew McCarty. Dorla is survived by her companion of the last 40 years, Leroy Thomas; a son, Gerald; daughters Kathy O'Reilly (Dan), Barbie Penn (Charlie), Julie McCarty, and Kristy Summers; grandchildren Kelley, Erin, Nathan, Aaron, Emma, Anna, Shelley, Kendra, and Katelin; three great-grandchildren, Lilly, Absalom, and Stella; and a multitude of family and friends.

Visitation will be Friday, October 22, 2021, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. Funeral Service will be Saturday, October 23, 2021, at 11:00 AM in the funeral home.