Peggy Gerken, 66, Springfield, Mo., passed away Friday, May 12, 2017, in her home, after a long illness. She was born on March 28, 1951, in Dunnegan, Mo. She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl W. Summers, Sr. and Muriel M. Summers, a sister, Kathleen Summers, and a brother, Alan E. Schaeffer. She was a loving mother, wife, sister, and friend who always put family first and strove to help people better themselves.
Peggy is survived by her husband, Al Gerken, two daughters: Melissa Eaton and her husband Bryan Ellis, and Pamela Eaton and her fiance, David Cole, two step-children: Greg Gerken and his wife Angela, and Kaylene Warner and her husband, Robert, two brothers: Carl "Butch" (Jo Ann) Summers Jr. and Michael Summers, three sisters: Judy (Danny) Rothermel, Carolyn (Greg) Hamilton, and Brenda (David) Coday, as well as many nieces, nephews, and grandchildren.
Graveside services will be at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 16, 2017, in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. Guests are encouraged to share memories or read poems and scripture at the graveside service. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to Noon before services at Greenlawn Funeral Home North. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the HPC Prayer Blanket Fund at Hillcrest Presbyterian Church: 818 East Norton, Springfield, Mo. 65803