Frances A. Summerfield 1938-2026

Frances was born July 10, 1938, in Portsmouth, the daughter of Jacob “Red” L. Callihan and Julie “Ann” Pollard Callihan.

A 1957 graduate of West Portsmouth High School, Frances married her high school sweetheart, Ora O. Summerfield Sr., on June 28, 1958. The two shared 56 years of marriage, holding hands through life until his passing on March 28, 2015.

Throughout her working years, Frances wore many hats, but perhaps most beloved was her time as a bus driver for Girard City Schools, where she served the community for more than 20 years.

Frances was a devoted member of First Baptist Church of Girard, where she faithfully served as church secretary, historian and deacon. She also shared her voice in the church choir for many years.

Active and energetic throughout her life, Frances played softball well into her 50s and helped establish ladies’ softball in Girard. She loved attending her children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events and was known affectionately as “Granny” to many beyond her own family.

In her spare time, Frances enjoyed attending concerts by Dolly Parton and Cher, crafting wooden rocking horses and taking road trips — especially to Gatlinburg. She cherished twice-weekly lunches with friends at Scenna’s and loved taking her grandchildren (and later her great-grandchildren) to Kraynak’s to see the Christmas and Easter displays and enjoy special treats. She also loved shopping and took pride in making sure her family always had plenty of ice cream treats and snacks for lunches. At the end of the day, she enjoyed relaxing with an Amish romance novel and a wholesome Hallmark movie.

Frances is survived by her sons, Ora O. “Sam” Summerfield Jr. (Karen) of Howland, Timothy L. Summerfield of Berryville, Virginia, and Rodney J. Summerfield of Liberty Township; her grandchildren, Taylor Haynes (Derreck), Amber Summerfield, Josh Summerfield, Kathryn Summerfield and Claire Summerfield; her great-granddaughters, Elise and Carly Haynes; her brother, Joseph Callihan (Carolyn) of Stout; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Ora; and her siblings, Susan Conley, Jerry Lee Callihan and Charles “Fred” Callihan.

A time of gathering to honor Frances will be 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, March 21, 2026, at First Baptist Church, 7 E. Kline St., Girard, OH 44420. Her celebration continues with a memorial service immediately following at 11 a.m.

As suggested by her family, memorial contributions can be made to the church.

Coordination of this tribute for Mrs. Summerfield was presented by Daniel Briceland, owner and director of Briceland Funeral Service LLC, Brookfield, OH 44403, 330-509-3135. Expressions of sympathy may be left for her family at www.bricelandfuneralservice.com.

(special notice)