Josie Summers Worcester, age 91, of Hill City, Kansas, went peacefully to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 15, 2026.
Josie was born on May 8, 1934, to Silas Dayton and Germie Taylor Summers and was raised in Walton, West Virginia, where she grew up as one of five children. Those early years shaped her strong faith, her deep sense of family, and her lifelong commitment to serving others.
In 1957, Josie moved to Denver, Colorado, with her young son Darris and her Aunt Alta Gay. It was there, while attending church, that she met Merlyn Worcester, a Kansas farm boy working as a fry cook at the airport. Their meeting was the beginning of a beautiful love story rooted in faith, hard work, and devotion. Josie and Merlyn were married on July 19, 1958, at the Christian Church in Hill City, Kansas, the community they would proudly call home for the rest of their lives. Together, Josie and Merlyn raised five children: Darris, Denise, Dennis, Derwin, and Darren.
Family was the center of Josie’s world, and she poured her heart into being a loving and supportive mother. In May of 1965, Josie and Merlyn opened a Montgomery Ward store in Hill City, which they operated for more than 20 years. Their store became the longest privately owned Montgomery Ward in the state of Kansas and was not only a business, but a place where friendships were built and the community gathered.
Josie was one of her family’s greatest and most devoted supporters. She rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on her children and grandchildren, faithfully attending activities and events near and far. From cross country and track meets to tennis tournaments, basketball games, and wrestling matches, Josie was there, proud and encouraging. Her presence in the stands, her steady support, and her genuine interest in each child’s passions meant more than words could ever express.
Josie and Merlyn also shared a love for travel and adventure, creating countless cherished memories along the way. Family road trips began with a 1974 Chevy pickup and a homemade camper topper, followed by a remodeled school bus that Josie herself painted blue with white stripes and stars using nothing but a brush. Eventually, they purchased their first motorhome and continued traveling with family and friends, always valuing time together and new experiences.
Josie had a servant’s heart and a deep love for her community. She volunteered faithfully at church, helped at polling stations during elections, and worked tirelessly at the local thrift store, The Mission Mart. When the store faced closure, Josie and Merlyn were instrumental in keeping it open. The Mission Mart became one of Josie’s greatest passions and was eventually relocated to the former Montgomery Ward building beneath their residence. Proceeds from the store supported Hill City Christian youth, helping fund activities and provide opportunities for children to attend church camps. Through this work, Josie quietly touched countless lives.
Above all, Josie loved the Lord and lived her faith daily through kindness, generosity, and compassion. She was always ready to help anyone in need, in any way she could. Josie cherished every role she held in life: daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. Each title was worn with pride and gratitude, and her love for her family knew no bounds.
Josie was preceded in death by her parents, Silas Dayton and Germie Taylor Summers; her brother, Herbert Summers; and her sisters, Bernadine Scruggs and Wandalee Holland, all of West Virginia.
She is survived by her beloved husband of 67 years, Merlyn Worcester of Hill City, Kansas; her children, Darris (Aida) of Hill City, Kansas; Denise (Dave) Kempke of Claflin, Kansas; Dennis (Kim) of Miramar, Florida; Derwin (Melissa) of Lucas, Kansas; and Darren (Christy) of Olathe, Kansas; her brother, Johnnie (Sharon) Summers of Walton, West Virginia; 15 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Josie’s life was a testament to faith, love, dedication to family, and service to others. Her legacy lives on through her family, her community, and the countless lives she touched with her gentle spirit and giving heart.
The family will be present for the Visitation on Sunday, January 18, 2026 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Stinemetz Funeral Home, 522 North Pomeroy Avenue, Hill City, Kansas. The Service is Monday, January 19, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. in the Hill City Christian Church, 122 North Pomeroy Avenue, Hill City, Kansas. Internment will be at the Memorial Lawn Cemetery, Hill City, Kansas. Memorial donations will be for the Hill City Christian Youth Group, The Well, Stinemetz Funeral Home.