Auli Kristiina Summerhays was born in Savonlinna, Finland, on Oct. 10, 1960, to Vuokko Voima and Aatos Ramo. She went to Puistokadun kansakoulu and Savolinnan yhteiskoulu, graduating from there. Then she studied as a kindergarten teacher at the University of Joensuu in Savonlinna. After earning a degree, she worked as a kindergarten teacher in Finland.
Having been raised a member of the LDS church, she later worked for the church in Denmark. Desiring more education, she came to the U.S. and graduated in public relations from Brigham Young University. She then worked for United Way in Utah. Growing up and learning numerous languages, Auli did translation work for her church often. She even did live translation of her church’s general conference broadcasts back to Finland.
On May 20, 1994, she married Scott Summerhays in the LDS temple in Stockholm, Sweden. Their daughter, Sini Kristiina Summerhays, was born on Nov. 24, 1995. Moving to Colorado in 1996, Auli began her career at Colorado State University. Auli worked in and with many departments while at CSU. Her spirit, energy, dedication and willingness to do whatever was needed to accomplish the work was never ending. Auli’s interface with CSU presidents, foreign guests, employees, donors and the public was well known and respected.
In July 2014, Auli and Scott divorced. Sini remained a cherished daughter to both. While continuing to live with Auli, they developed a stronger bond as mother and daughter.
Auli obtained U.S. citizenship while maintaining her valued Finnish citizenship. Her interests included painting, card making and general crafts. She was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, serving in countless callings throughout her life. She enjoyed genealogy, temple work and serving others. The recent building of the Fort Collins LDS temple was a joyful experience for Auli.
Auli passed away on Sunday, Aug. 28, peacefully while at home of natural causes. She is survived by her daughter, Sini; her mother, Vuokko; a sister, Outi; a nephew, Tuomas; and nieces Suvi, Heini, Essi and their children, all of Finland. She was preceded in death by her father, Aatos.
Funeral services will be Sept. 6, at the LDS church located at 600 E. Swallow, Fort Collins. Viewing is at 9:30 a.m., followed at 11 a.m. by the service, and burial at Resthaven Memory Gardens, 8426 S. Hwy 287, Fort Collins.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Sini Summerhays donation account at Chase Bank. Please visit Auli’s online memorial tribute at www.allnutt.com.
Published in The Coloradoan Sept. 4
