Hattie Fischer

Hattie Anglie (Summit) Fischer, 95, passed away peacefully Sunday, July 12, 2026, at her home, surrounded by the love of family and friends. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, hard work, unwavering faith, and a life devoted to serving others.

Hattie was born on February 14, 1931, in Sims, Arkansas, to Charlie D. and Pairlee (West) Summit. She was the youngest of seven children and grew up on a family farm, where she learned the value of hard work by helping in the fields while attending school whenever possible.

In January 1949, Hattie married Laudell Raper, and together they made their home in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Hattie worked as a waitress while Laudell worked as a plumber. Their greatest blessing arrived in 1952 when their only child, Larry Dell Raper, was born just three days after Hattie's twenty-first birthday.

In 1964, Hattie moved to Perry, Oklahoma, where she began working at the Kumback Café. It was there that her lifelong dream of owning a restaurant began to take shape. In January 1970, she married the love of her life, Maurice "Fish" Fischer. Together, they poured their hearts into making Hattie's dream a reality. Side by side, they laid carpet, built countertops, and prepared the space that would become Hattie's Place, which opened in 1976.

For the next eleven years, Hattie's Place became much more than a café—it became a gathering place for the Perry community and countless travelers and oilfield workers. Hattie was famous for her home-cooked meals, warm hospitality, and generous heart. She was known to open the café at 4:00 a.m. to feed oilfield workers before they headed to the fields, and if someone was hungry but unable to pay, Hattie made sure they never left without a meal. Her café was filled with good food, laughter, friendship, and fellowship, reflecting the kind and compassionate woman she was.

Following retirement, Hattie and Maurice enjoyed traveling, dancing with friends, and embracing every opportunity to enjoy life together. They shared many wonderful adventures until Maurice's passing in 2004.

In the years that followed, Hattie continued to brighten the lives of everyone around her. She became a beloved fixture at the Wheatheart Nutrition Center and the Perry Senior Citizens Center, where her joyful spirit, infectious smile, and genuine love for people made her the life of every gathering.

Hattie's faith was the foundation of her life. She was a devoted, longtime member of First Christian Church of Perry, faithfully serving the Lord and welcoming others with open arms. Affectionately known as the church's unofficial greeter, Hattie eagerly waited each Sunday morning for Preacher Josh to pull out of his driveway so she could follow him to church, ensuring she would be among the first to arrive. Every Sunday, she greeted each person with a cheerful "Good morning" and a warm hug, making everyone feel loved and welcome.

Hattie was preceded in death by her parents, Charlie D. and Pairlee Summit; her husband, Maurice "Fish" Fischer; her brothers, James, Virgil, and Kirby Summit; and her sisters, Bessie, Ethel, and Hazel.

She is lovingly survived by her son, Larry Dell Raper and wife Judith; her grandchildren, Angela McCray and husband Cedric, and Larry Dell Raper Jr. and wife Marie,Julien Avans and wife Markie, Sebastian Avans, Gabriel Avans and her great-grandchildren, Teva Shepard, Dominique McCray, Caleb McCray, Piilani Benz, and Lexus Nicole Decker.

She also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, including Tammy and Steve Maschino, Patricia Ann and Eugene Scott, and Brenda Robinson.

Hattie is also survived by her treasured best friend, Barbara Schweer, and Barbara's children, Rick Schweer, Kirt and Angie Schweer, as well as all the Schweer grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom she loved as family and was known to all as grandma.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Mary Simon, Linda Deyo, and the caregivers of Companion Home Health for the exceptional love, compassion, and care they provided to Hattie throughout her final years.

Hattie never met a stranger. Whether serving a hot meal, offering a hug, sharing a laugh, or extending a helping hand, she made everyone feel like family. Her life was a beautiful example of faith in action, selfless generosity, and unconditional love. Her legacy will live on in the countless lives she touched, and she will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.