Charlotte Banks Summers, 79, died peacefully with her husband and daughters by her side, September 19, 2022, at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. She was born July 27, 1943, in Great Bend, to Walter Edward and Sylvia Ellen (Witte) Banks.
Charlotte graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1961. She attended Oklahoma College for Women before transferring to KU where she studied at both the Lawrence and Medical Center campuses, graduating in 1967 with a degree in biological science and research. Charlotte began her career as a research biologist in the food laboratory at Far-Mar-Co.
While her most treasured job was raising her two daughters, Elizabeth and Cady, she also enjoyed keeping active with several part-time positions including Puzzling Maps by Peirce Puzzle Company, the Cosmosphere, and Cranford College. Later, she became District Manager for Manpower Personnel Service, retiring after 20 years in 2015.
Even while working full-time, Charlotte always made time to serve her community. The women’s philanthropic educational organization, P.E.O., was near and dear to her heart. She was a member of P.E.O. Chapter BL and served as called upon in many roles. She also served on the Kansas State Chapter Board for six years, including State President from 2000-2001. In 2002, Charlotte was selected for Leadership Hutchinson, an experience she enjoyed very much, that helped her continue to serve Hutchinson and Reno County. During retirement, Charlotte served on several boards, including the Hutchinson Town Club and as President of the Hutchinson Art Center during its remodel. After the Lair White House was opened in 2014, Charlotte managed the Kansas State Fair Museum. The theme for the exhibits was changed each year, requiring countless hours to research, locate artifacts, and assemble the displays. Charlotte was a faithful member of Grace Episcopal Church and served on the Altar Guild.
Even with all these activities, Charlotte still made time for friendships, hobbies, and being a loving wife and Nana. She was a dedicated friend and loved writing witty poems to celebrate her friends and family. Charlotte enjoyed traveling and keeping her mind active with bridge and book clubs. When she was younger, she enjoyed sailing and snow skiing with her husband.
On December 28, 1967, Charlotte married Robert Charles “Bob” Summers, in Hutchinson. They shared nearly 55 years of marriage.
Charlotte is survived by: her husband, Bob of Hutchinson; daughters, Elizabeth Summers Hunt (Paul) of Waterford, MI, Cady Summers Panetta (Michael) of Washington, D.C.; grandchildren, Sydney and Evan Hunt, Sylvia and Nicholas Panetta; sister, Mary Banks Hitchcock (Charles) of Mission Viejo, CA; brother, Thurston Banks (Linda) of Cookeville, TN; and a host of friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Memorial service will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, December 28, 2022, at Grace Episcopal Church, 2 Hyde Park Drive, Hutchinson, with the Reverend Dr. J. Ted Blakley officiating. Inurnment will follow in the church columbarium. Friends may sign her book from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary. The family will greet friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 27, 2022, at Elliott Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to three organizations dear to Charlotte: P.E.O. Chapter BL (to support their Hutchinson Community College Scholarship), Hutchinson Art Center, or Grace Episcopal Church, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.