Mary Ann (Mossbarger) Summers, 75, passed away at home surrounded by her family on July 10, 2025, in Versailles, Kentucky, after a 15-month battle with pancreatic cancer. A devoted educator and beloved mother, Mary Ann lived a life marked by dedication to her family, her students, and her community.
Born on March 8, 1950, in Columbus, Ohio, to Jane and Lee Mossbarger, Mary Ann grew up in the small town of New Holland, OH. She participated in 4-H, Campfire Girls, she played the piccolo and flute and was a member of the Marching Band. Mary Ann graduated from Miami Trace High School in Washington Court House, Ohio, in 1968. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond in 1972. While at EKU, she was a proud member of the Kappa Delta Sorority. Her passion for teaching led her to further her education with a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Columbus College in Columbus, Georgia, in 1982.
Mary Ann began her long and impactful teaching career in the Miami Trace School District in Ohio shortly after graduating from college. Over the years, she taught in various locations across the United States and abroad, including Kentucky, New Ulm, West Germany, and Massachusetts, before settling into her final teaching position at Friendship Valley Elementary School in Westminster, Maryland. In her career, she spent 25 years shaping young minds before retiring in 2015.
Throughout her career, Mary Ann was recognized for her excellence and commitment to education. In 1984, while teaching at New Ulm Elementary School under the Department of Defense Schools system, she received an award for sustained superior work performance. Later, she was honored with an Extraordinary Performance Award from Friendship Valley Elementary School in 2007.
During the early part of her career, Mary Ann supported and traveled with her former husband during his service as an active-duty member of the United States Army. This chapter shaped much of their family’s journey together.
Among her many accomplishments, Mary Ann took special pride in the achievements of her twin daughters: Krista Summers, a Family Medicine Physician, and Kelly Bowie, a Physician Assistant.
After retirement, Mary Ann moved to Versailles, Kentucky, to be closer to her sister, Rebecca Greco. She quickly became an active member of the local community. She enjoyed playing pickleball at Falling Springs Center and was an avid bridge player, participating in both duplicate and marathon bridge groups in Versailles and Lexington. She was also a dedicated member of the Woodford County Women’s Club and served as co-president of the local Garden Club.
Mary Ann discovered a love for sewing and quilting and found great joy traveling both within the United States and internationally. Her warmth and friendliness were evident to all who knew her; she was known for being hardworking, caring, and deeply concerned for others.
She is survived by her longtime partner, Doug Parker of Leesburg, Virginia; daughters, Kelly Bowie (Joshua Bowie) and Krista Summers (Bryon Free); grandchildren, Benjamin Free and Olivia Free; sister, Rebecca Greco (Anthony Greco) and former spouse, Thomas Edward Summers as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Mary Ann was preceded in death by her mother, Jane (Ewing) Mossbarger (2014), and father, Lee Archer Mossbarger (1988).
Memorial services will be held Saturday, July 19th from 2-4 pm at Fellowship Hall of the Versailles Presbyterian Church, 130 North Main Street, Versailles, KY 40383
A memorial service, to be held in Ohio at a later date, is being planned.
Her legacy lives on through those she taught, loved, and supported—and especially through the family she cherished so deeply.
In honor of Mary Ann’s memory and values, donations may be made to: Woodford Park Foundation, 275 Beasley Rd, Versailles, KY 40383. Attn: Mary Ann Summers Memorial Fund (please write on memo of check as well) or the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network Online : Pancreatic Cancer Action Network – Research, Patient Support, Resources or donations can be mailed to: Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Donation Processing Center, PO Box 5041, Boone, IA 50950-0041.
