Alma “Ali” Mae Summers, 51, of Glen Carbon, Illinois, died at 7:11 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, at Alton Memorial Hospital in Alton.
Summers, known to family and friends as “Ali,” built a life defined by devotion to her family and a distinguished career in public service. She is survived by her husband of more than 18 years, Micah Summers, and their two sons, Andrew J. Summers, 17, and Benjamin S. Summers, 15.
Born in Alma, Colorado — the highest incorporated municipality in the United States — Summers maintained a lifelong love of the outdoors. Family members said she embraced adventure, hiking in the mountains of Colorado, exploring the waters of Hawaii and Mexico, and traveling internationally, including trips to Rome. Whether planning a family bike ride or organizing a spontaneous outing, she was known for prioritizing time together and creating lasting memories.
Professionally, Summers dedicated her career to justice and advocacy. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Illinois in 1996, followed by a Master of Social Work in 1999. She later obtained her Juris Doctor from Southern Illinois University School of Law in 2000.
Her legal career began with a clerkship for U.S. District Judge David R. Herndon, an experience that shaped her path in prosecution. Summers went on to serve 10 years as a state court prosecutor in St. Clair and Madison counties, where she became widely recognized for her work protecting children and supporting families through the justice system.
In 2012, she joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois. Over the course of her tenure, she prosecuted a broad range of federal crimes and ultimately served as Chief of the Criminal Division and Assistant United States Attorney. Colleagues described her as a leader who approached her work with integrity, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to the rule of law.
Outside the courtroom, Summers was known for her warmth and generosity. She enjoyed cooking, music, dancing, and spending time outdoors. Friends said she never missed an opportunity to bring people together and was happiest when surrounded by those she loved.
In addition to her husband and sons, Summers 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 parents-in-law, Kevan and Diane Summers of Hamel; her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Rachel and Michael Wein of Framingham, Massachusetts; and three nephews, Isaac Lohman, Noah Lohman, and Brady Wein. She is also survived by extended family members, colleagues, and close 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 Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Irwin Chapel, 591 Glen Crossing Road in Glen Carbon. Funeral services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 23, 2026, at the same location, with Pastor Dave Romoser officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Edwardsville.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Madison County Child Advocacy Center or the Community Lifeline Family Resource Center in East St. Louis.
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