Summer Ray Kennard, age 20, formally of Willard, living in Cardington, Ohio, passed away unexpectedly due to an automobile accident on February 3, 2025. She was born on April 4, 2004, in Norwalk, Ohio to Matthew Shawn and Dawn Michelle (Sexton) Kennard.
Summer attended Celeryville Christian School from Kindergarten through 8th grade. She then attended Willard High School her Freshman and Sophomore year. For her Junior and Senior year, she attended Pioneer for Criminal Justice, graduating in 2022. She went on to continue her studies in Criminal Justice and obtained her associate’s degree at North Central State College. While at NC State she graduated the Police Academy with Honors. During her school years, she played various sports but tennis was her favorite. Her love for Jesus was known by many; she was a member of and attended City Church in Willard, Ohio. Summer enjoyed reading, caring for all animals, and any activities involving the outdoors such as kayaking and hiking.
Summer was an active Police Officer for the Bellville Police Department and Butler Police Department. She was attending school at Tri-Rivers Career Center to become an EMT.
Left behind to carry on her memory are many friends along with her parents, Matthew and Dawn Kennard; grandparents, Debra Sexton, Larry and Linda Kennard; aunts and uncles; Rayanne (Jason) Hammond, Jeaneen (Dale) Perry, Lea Ann Sexton, Brian (Lana) Kennard and Blake (Mary) Kennard; cousins, Molly Hammond, Cassandra Stratton, Joshua Perry, Jacob Sexton, Tayler Predieri, Parker Kennard, Logan Kennard, Griffin Kennard and Phoenix Kennard; special relatives, Natalie Lucanegro, Corianne Lucanegro and Delaney Buchner.
Summer was preceded in death by her grandfather, Raymond Sexton; uncle, Doug Sexton and cousin, Dylan Patton.
Friends and family may gather on Sunday, February 9, 2025 at the Celeryville Christian School in Celeryville, Ohio from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Summer’s funeral service will be held on Monday, February 10, 2025 at the Celeryville Christian School in Celeryville, Ohio at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Greg Griffith officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Shiloh, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to any Humane Society, Animal Shelter, Celeryville Christian School, Butler and/or Bellville Police Department.
Online condolences can be made to Summer’s family by visiting www.secorfuneralhomes.com.