Teka Diane Summers OBITUARY
Teka Diane Summers of Las Vegas, NV, passed away on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at the Vineyard of Henderson, NV, at the age of 75, of Lewy Body Dementia. Her dear friend and devoted caretaker, Carmen Gomez, was with her for comfort and support until Teka had departed her earthly life. Born in Amarillo, TX, Teka is survived by her brother Donald Summers, brother-in-law Dan Wooldridge, both of New York City, and by her sweet and loyal dog, Ridley, (now with Carmen) on whom she doted and spoiled with treats and home-cooked meals. She was preceded in death by her parents, Colleen and Landel Summers. She also leaves behind two very accomplished close-like-family friends, Jessica Conn and Danielle Conn, of PA, whom she has known since their births, watched them grow up in Orange County, CA, and loved both dearly.
Teka was a graduate of Amarillo High School, where she excelled in tennis, and had many happy memories with friends, classmates, and teachers. She was also an active member of Washington Christian Church of Amarillo, where she was baptized, and attended services with her family.
Matriculating at the University of Arkansas, she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree and then received a Master of Social Work degree from Tulane University in New Orleans. Teka was what is known as a “foodie”, loving the delicious offerings of New Orleans’ renowned restaurants, as well as becoming an expert cook on her own. She often entertained friends with specially prepared dinners and knew enough about wine pairings to rival a sommelier. She enjoyed restaurant outings with friends and always had a recommendation for dining out when visitors came. Her life was enriched by best friends Jackie Ryan, Kay Drysdale, and Linda Tanamachi, of Orange County and Long Beach, CA, who shared many good times with Teka at events, travel excursions, and just being together.
Teka relocated to California to join the social work staff at Kaiser Permanente where she worked for many years. Upon retiring to Las Vegas, she could indulge her hobby as a poker player more often, and in prior years, she won various poker tournaments. She also enjoyed domestic and international travel, visiting her brother Don in Europe several times and taking cruises with friends to various destinations.
Cremation arrangements are being coordinated with La Paloma Funeral Services in Las Vegas reachable at (702) 732-7070. Her friends and loved ones can leave a memory message on their website at https://lapalomafuneralservices.com. Private services will be held at a later date in a different location and limited to her chosen friends and family members.
