Penny Lou Summers

Penny Lou Summers, 75, of Mesa, Arizona, died peacefully on July 6, 2026.

Born on July 25, 1950, in Salem, Ohio, to Donna Jean and Herman Carl Bender, Penny moved to Mesa, Arizona, at the age of six and made it her lifelong home. She was a proud Mesa High School Rabette, performing as a rope twirler.

Penny is survived by her husband, Charles Douglas Summers; her children, Lindsay Holgate and Scott Kowitt; and her step‑children, Anthony Summers, Andrew Summers, and Aimee Rohn. She is also survived by 16 grandchildren and 5 great‑grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Carl Bender.

Penny worked for many years at the Arizona State Capitol Library, working with the state archives. She leaned on her faith and showed a steady commitment to caring for herself while living with ongoing health challenges.

Penny enjoyed following politics, researching family history through genealogy, sewing, and tending to her garden and houseplants. She found comfort in quiet routines at home and in the company of her dogs, Ranger and Tori.

A viewing will be held on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Bunker Garden Chapel in Mesa, Arizona, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. A graveside service will take place at 12:30 p.m. at Mesa Cemetery, with a reception to follow.

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.