Edith Buton Summerlin

Edith Buton Summerlin, an adventurous, selfless, thoughtful, faithful, resilient, hard-working, and wise woman, passed away on December 25, 2025, at the age of 90. Born on February 23, 1935, in Tiffin, Ohio, she was the daughter of Earl and Ruth Buton. Edith grew up alongside her brother Earl Buton Jr. and lost her sister Margaret early in life. She attended Monroe Elementary School and pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor's degree from Ohio State, a Master's from the Catholic University of America, and a PhD from American University.

Edith's career was marked by significant achievements in both military and academic fields. She served as a First Lieutenant in the United States Air Force and later as a Colonel in the Army Reserves, with service at Walter Reed and Keesler Air Force Base. Her academic contributions were numerous; she was a faculty member at American University, Towson State College, and Avila College Missouri. Edith taught nursing at Ohio State and served as the Dean of the School of Nursing at East Tennessee State University. She was also the Executive Director of the Arizona state board of nursing and taught at the University of Texas Arlington and the University of Texas Health Science Center before retiring at the age of 80. Edith was a member of Sigma Theta Tau and the National Nursing Honor Society and served on the board of the Fort Worth Alzheimer's Association. Additionally, she was an Ambassador for People to People International Citizen Ambassador Program and had the opportunity to travel to China and represent the nursing and health care delegation to promote goodwill and understanding between China and the US regarding delivery of healthcare in China.

Edith was a loving mother to her four children: Ruth, Robin, Dennis, and Robert. Her personal interests included painting, supporting Ohio State football, and being an avid fan of the Astros and Texans. She cherished outdoor activities such as hiking, gardening, and birdwatching, and had a deep love for animals, especially her dogs. Often smiling at their antics. Edith also enjoyed doing puzzles, playing solitaire and FreeCell, and reading.

Her community involvement was significant, as she was a devoted churchgoer and a woman of faith.

Edith was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Ruth Buton; her brother, Earl Buton Jr.; her daughter, Ruth Summerlin; and her son, Dennis Summerlin. She is survived by her daughter, Robin Summerlin Crumley; her son, Robert Summerlin; her granddaughters, Katie Crumley Friddell, (husband Caleb), Katherine Elizabeth Delongchamps, Margaret Lanier Summerlin, and Jessica Summerlin; her grandsons Matthew Summerlin and Michael Summerlin; as well as her great-grandchildren, Josiah, Judah, and Micah.

Edith Buton Summerlin's life was a testament to her dedication to her family, her career, and her community. Her legacy will be cherished by all who knew her.

Funeral services will be held at Advantage Funeral and Cremation Services, located at 7010 Chetwood, Houston, TX 77081, on January 5, 2026, at 12:00 pm. A committal service will follow at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77038, at 2:15 pm.

In lieu of flowers please donate to First United Methodist Church- Missouri City, America's VetDogs, Wounded Warriors or a charity of your choice.