Merlene (Kreuter) Sumner, age 79, of Metropolis, IL, passed away Sunday evening, September 14, 2014 in Metropolis.Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 18, 2014 in the Metropolis Memorial Gardens with Rev. Louis W. Brinker officiating. Burial will follow.She was born November 19, 1934 in Franklin County, IL, to John Myrel and Warrenetta (Harvey) Kreuter. In 1937, the Kreuter family relocated to Metropolis to own and operate the Dr. Pepper Bottling Company.A 1952 graduate of Metropolis Community High School, she served as a class officer and graduated with honors. She attended Murray State University where she was selected Homecoming Queen her sophomore year.Ms. Sumner retired from Southern Seven Head Start, formerly Massac County Head Start in 2004, having served in many capacities during her 32-year career. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Metropolis and the WOW Sunday School Class. Since her retirement, she enjoyed traveling to golf tournaments, spending time with family in South Carolina and Tennessee, and vacationing in Florida.Survivors include 2 daughters, Rhonda Smyly and husband Wayne of Barnwell, SC and Julie Jacobs and husband Richard of Metropolis; 1 son, Todd Sumner and wife SuVonne also of Metropolis; 6 grandchildren, Ashley Derrick and husband Chris of Columbia, SC, Blake Austin and wife Lindsay of Barnwell, SC, Matthew Jacobs and wife Hailey of Nashville, TN, Mason Jacobs of Metropolis, Meredith Bunting and husband Bryan of Metropolis, and Madeline Sumner of Metropolis; 4 great-grandsons, Austin and Banks Derrick and Cameron and Cayson Austin; 1 great-granddaughter, Harper Jacobs; 1 brother, John Harvey "Sonny" Kreuter and wife Deanna of Metropolis; 1 nephew Hunter Kreuter and wife Pam of Lone Oak, KY; and close friend Edwin Timm of Spotsylvania, VA.She was preceded in death by her parents.There will be no visitation. Friends are asked to meet at the cemetery.Aikins-Farmer Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 2580 Federal Drive Ste 403 Decatur, IL 62526.Pallbearers: Blake Austin, Ashley Derrick, Matthew Jacobs, Mason Jacobs, Meredith Bunting, Madeline SumnerOnline Condolences may be left at www.aikinsfarmer-millerfh.com.