Joan Summers passed away at home on Nov. 17, 2018.  She was born in Dayton Ohio, October 7, 1947 to Charles and Elsie Reich Sims.   She had an active youth enjoying volleyball and soft ball.  Joan had a love for horses and dogs and as a young child began saving money to buy a horse.  After graduating high school she purchased her first thoroughbred, a mare named Ty Dream.  A few years later Ty Dream bore a filly she named Tanamara.  Joan trained both horses as jumpers and showed Ty Dream in the Dayton Horse Show.

Joan met Richard Summers at an Air Force promotion party in 1966.  They dated 6 years, fell in love, and were married on July 22, 1972 at Sacred Heart Church.  She worked as a secretary to support the both of them while Richard earned graduate degrees from the University of Dayton and Louisiana State University.  Following graduation, Joan, Richard, both horses, and their dog moved to Midland, Michigan.   Joan continued working until they had their daughters Teresa Elise and Tesia Rene.

Joan became interested in therapeutic horseback riding for special needs children and adults.  She earned her certification as a therapeutic instructor and participated in a program named Tall in the Saddle in Midland.  Joan went on to establish Tall in the Saddle programs in Bay City and Mt. Pleasant,  Michigan and was presented a Special Service Award.

In 1995 Joan and Richard relocated the family to San Diego.  Joan accepted a position in the Poway Unified School District as a Teacher's Aide for special needs students.  Unable to find a therapeutic riding program in San Diego she partnered with Ivey Ranch in Oceanside and in 2002 the inauguration of a therapeutic equestrian program took place with one volunteer horse. The program has grown over the years using as many as 27 horses.  In 2009 Ivey Ranch added a therapeutic equestrian program for veterans entitled Horses for Hero's.  Joan was awarded a Community Service Volunteer Award in 2006 from the Kiwanis Club of Oceanside Pacific and in 2012 The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International selected Joan as the Certified Professional of the year for Region 11.

Joan was a devoted and loving mother who supported all of her children's interests as they were growing up.  She was never more proud when each of her children graduated college.

Joan is preceded into heaven by her loving mother and father, Elsie and Chuck Sims, and her sister Mary Sims.  She leaves behind her husband Richard, brother, Michael Sims, children, Teresa DeJurnett and Tesia Summers, grandson, Braylon DeJurnett, nephews Brian and Charles Sims, and niece Sharon Coomes.  In addition, she leaves two special friends, Gail Olsen and Betsy Evans from her Tall in the Saddle days.

A mass will be held at San Rafael Church on Dec.10, 2018 at 10:00 AM, and Msgr. Dennis Mikulanis will serve as celebrant.

Please, in lieu of flowers, any remembrances may be made to Ivey Ranch Park Association, Non-Profit No. 95-3775136, 110 Rancho Del Oro Dr., Oceanside, CA 92057,  http://www.iveyranch.com/.