Alma Summers

Alma “Ali” Mae Summers, 51, of Glen Carbon, Illinois, passed away at 7:11 p.m. on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Alton Memorial Hospital in Alton, Illinois. Ali loved fiercely.  She packed more love into 51 years than most do in a lifetime.  She deeply loved her husband of over 18 years, Micah Summers, and their two sons, Andrew J. Summers, 17, and Benjamin S. Summers, 15, living a life largely outdoors – hiking the mountains of Colorado, playing in the waters of Hawaii and Mexico, experiencing the ruins of Rome.  It’s no mistake Ali was born at the highest altitude in the United States, Alma, Colorado. She lived great big and wide open, with eyes set on the sky.  As a girl Ali studied mountaintops, sunshine and aspen leaves, and as a Mom she dropped everything to gather her family poolside, park-bound or take off on a 30-mile bike ride.

While Ali lived with a mountain mindset, she served low in the valleys with the most vulnerable children and families among her.  Ali’s professional path ushered her into justice and advocacy, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development and Family Studies and going on to receive a Masters in Social Work and Juris Doctorate [JD/MSW] with eyes set on prosecuting crimes against children.

Ali dedicated her life to justice, service, and advocacy for others. She served as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois as Chief of the Criminal Division, leading with integrity, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the rule of law. A career prosecutor, she joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office in 2012 and prosecuted a wide range of federal crimes with professionalism and purpose.

Prior to this experience, Ali clerked for the Honorable Judge David R. Herndon, an experience that shaped her legal career. Following her clerkship, she spent ten years as a state court prosecutor in St. Clair and Madison counties, where she became known for her dedication to protecting children and giving families a voice through child advocacy.

Ali earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois in 1996 and her Master of Social Work there in 1999. She later received her law degree from the Southern Illinois University School of Law in 2000, launching a career defined by public service and community impact.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Ali’s greatest joy was her family. She cherished every moment with her husband and adored her two sons, nurturing them with boundless love, encouragement, and pride. She embraced life fully—never missing an opportunity to create memories, plan an adventure, or bring people together. Ali loved traveling and found joy both in the journey and the planning. She was happiest outdoors—hiking, biking, and soaking in the beauty of nature. She also loved cooking for others, music, dancing, puppies, and the simple joy of connection. With a vibrant personality and generous spirit, she truly was a friend to everyone she met.

In addition to her beloved husband and sons, she is survived by her parents, Mary E. Tolliver of Waterloo and Dennis W. Tolliver of Louisville, Illinois; her sister and brother-in-law, Cyra C. and Robert Lohman of Waterloo; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Kevan and Diane Summers of Hamel; her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Rachel and Michael Wein of Framingham, Massachusetts; three nephews, Isaac Lohman, Noah Lohman, and Brady Wein; along with extended family, colleagues, and many dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Harry and Dorothy Wilson, and her uncles, Harry, Robert, and John Wilson. Visitation will be held at Irwin Chapel, 591 Glen Crossing Road in Glen Carbon, Illinois, on Sunday, February 22, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held there on Monday, February 23, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Dave Romoser officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Edwardsville.

Memorials may be made to the Madison County Child Advocacy Center or the Community Lifeline Family Resource Center in East St. Louis.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.irwinchapel.com.

Obit Provided By:
Irwin Chapel Funeral Home