Summersett passes quietly at home in the presence of family

Authored by Jim Langham on Dec 9, 2011

The words, "Pray for Revival; Pray for our communities; Pray for all the sick, Let Jesus Christ work in your lives," were posted on the website for Nikki Summersett early Wednesday morning. Just a few hours later, Summersett, who had gallantly fought a battle with cancer, passed away in the presence of her family and friends who were praying by her bedside.
Summersett and her unwavering faith in God has inspired the local community with her battle and undoubting attitude of faith as she faced an illness with which she was diagnosed last spring, following the birth of a son to her and husband, Jeff.
It was May 21 when the young mother gave birth to their second child, a son, Trevor Jeffrey. At the time, she was being treated for what appeared to be mastitis. However, two days later, a biopsy revealed that the growth was in fact, breast cancer. She was immediately rushed to the clinic in Bluffton for additional scans and on June 1, she was diagnosed with liver cancer.
At that time, family and friends of the community rallied through a sign campaign encouraging residents of Adams County to, "Pray for Nikki." That signage spread to surrounding counties in some cases and to churches throughout the country.
As her physical condition continued to deteriorate the past several weeks, her testimony of faith to those around her strengthened. One nurse who cared for her in the hospital a few days ago, a grandmother with 13 children, told Jeff and Nikki that they had never seen such an outpouring of love and concern for one patient. She said that the number of people that had come to visit and pray for Nikki was more than they had ever seen.
"You must be special and really loved," the nurse had remarked.
Nikki had made a similar remark early last week when community residents rallied by the hundreds at a special pink pancake supper held at the Belle Tower Grille.
At that time, the young couple sat in a booth and looked on with amazement at the turnout, which raised thousands of dollars on her behalf.
"I feel so overwhelmed, so loved, so very, very loved," said Nikki as she and Jeff watched the community residents file in to contribute to their needs. "God has gotten us through all of us, as has the encouragement of so many people. I get so many cards, many from people who I have never met, beautiful people who are concerned and want to try to encourage me. I appreciate it all, so very, very much."
Late last week, various medical counts became more unfavorable and she was taken to the hospital in decline late on Friday. Throughout the week, her condition rallied and declined. Friends and family members kept constant vigil at
her bedside with prayer and support.
Early this week, the couple made the decision to come back to her home. It was there she passed quietly on Wednesday morning as close friends and family prayed for God's will in her life.
Throughout the illness, Summersett expressed deep appreciation for blue butterflies because they represent new life and resurrection. A close friend, Addie Meyer, a young child, had designed a "Pray for Nikki" shirt, complete with butterfly and other symbols meaningful to her. The shirts have been on sale to raise money to help care for financial needs surrounding Summersett's illness.
Throughout her battle, Summersett continued to call for prayer for others, other sick, spiritual needs and concerns in the community.
"This could only happen in a community the size of Berne," said her grandfather, Loren Liechty. "It is so humbling to see that people rally around you when there is a real need."
Summersett often quoted Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope."
In recent days, she said that she had come to understand the true meaning of that verse whether it pertained to earth or heaven.
On Sunday, Jeff posted words from James 1:2-8, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking in anything. If any of you lack wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."
"I can't imagine being in the position that she is right now. It really gets to me," said Cheri Dailey, who headed up the pancake supper. "They are such an amazing family; we just want to try to help them.
"Every time I talk to Tammy Meyer (relative of Nikki), she talks about her positive attitude," added Dailey, who seemingly summarizes the feelings of the entire community concerning the matter. "She is so upbeat and positive. She just keeps believing. Her strength in the Lord is so inspirational to all of us. There is no way of knowing how many lives she has and is touching."

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