In Memoriam: Jeannette Marie Huarte Summers
Jeannette Marie Huarte Summers was born July 7, 1934 in Schurz, NV to Santiago and Elizabeth Huarte. She was the youngest of their four children. The family lived in Round Valley before moving to Bishop. Before finding their forever home in Bishop, the Huarte’s lived off Brockman in the then Merrill Curtis’ place, as well as what is now know as Astorgas. Then in 1942 the Huarte family became one of the original family assignment holders of the Bishop Reservation, making their home on South Barlow Lane.
Jeannette went to school in Bishop where she met the love of her life, Eddie Summers. In addition to being a very good athlete in her own right, Jeannette was very active in both clubs and athletics.
Following High School, Jeannette joined the workforce and later married her High School sweetheart, Eddie Summers. Jeannette and Eddie were married December 26, 1954 in Tonopah, NV. They welcomed their only child, daughter Lisa in 1959.
Being a mom meant everything to Jeannette. She was always the room mother in her daughter’s classes. Jeannette knew all the kids and was always kind and happy to see everyone. This fondness carried over to her job as a librarian at the Bishop Elementary School.
Unbeknownst to her herself, Jeannette was an innovator. She was instrumental in helping create the Bishop Indian Athletic Association in 1970. They ran a Men’s basketball tournament for 14 years and all proceeds went to over 40 programs throughout the valley, including the assistance of building Field 4 and the Bishop City Park. She was also very involved in committees that benefited the tribal community. Jeannette was a member of the Bishop Paiute Development Corporation, Constitution and By-laws, Bishop Indian Education Scholarship Committee, Jill Kinmont Boothe Scholarship Committee, the Toiyabe Board, and most recently the Tribal Courts Committee.
Although Jeannette was involved in all these committees, her true passion was her family. She would be seen at any sporting event that her daughter, son-in-law, granddaughters, and great grandkids were participating in. It was once said that Jeannette and Eddie were grandparents for the whole community. Jeannette was a true fan and although she knew “the game” she was always positive and supportive. Willing and able to visit and laugh with anyone. Her smile was welcoming and had a way of spreading love and warmth.
Almost anyone who came in to contact with Jeannette would speak of her kindness, the happiness she brought and her ability to make you feel special. She truly cared and you felt it. Her kindness was never a weakness and she led by example. She was the matriarch of her family and the best role model to have. Always letting the women in her family and those she came across know, that they are strong and important.
Jeannette was proceeded in death by her husband: Eddie Summers parents Santiago and Elizabeth Huarte; brothers, Diego and Mundo Huarte; sister Pauline Pedro.
Jeannette is survived by her daughter and son-in law Lisa and Mark Manuelito; granddaughters Nikki Manuelito and Jessica Manuelito with fiancé Brad Weaver; great grandchildren Faye and Max Spoonhunter, Marcus Manuelito, Takoda and Tyler Weaver.
Jeannette was definitely a trail blazer for women and will be truly missed by anyone who knew her.
