Mary Virginia Sumner

Ms. Mary Virginia Sumner (née Barnes), age 98, of Topeka, Kansas, was called to be with the Lord on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. She was born on December 30, 1926, in Independence, KS, the daughter of Fairfax Cleveland and Lela Georgia Barnes (née French).

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 32 years, Dr. Ralph Sumner; one son, Darrell Douglas, two brothers, Don and Leland Barnes, one sister, Faxine Dunn, and one grandson, Justin Sumner.

Mary was a member of the Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, in Topeka, and had an unwavering faith in God. She enjoyed spending time with her family, birdwatching, and caring for her dogs.

Mary graduated from Independence High School in 1945, Independence Junior College in 1947, and married Ralph Norman Sumner in 1950. The family moved to Fredonia, KS, in 1958. While in Fredonia, Mary enjoyed caring for her growing family, collecting Smurfs, playing piano, oil painting, and singing in the church gospel choir (Vespers).

Later in life, Mary reentered college at Pittsburg State University where she earned her bachelor’s in business administration, in 1973, and her Master of Science, in 1975. After graduation, she worked for the State of Kansas until her retirement in 2001.

Mary is survived by four sons and daughters-in-laws: Evan and Dee Sumner of Springdale, AR, Paul and Anita Sumner of Topeka, KS, Brian and Julie Sumner of Fredonia, KS, and Keith and Marlene Sumner of San Antonio, TX, ten grandchildren, Marshall, Jordan, Erika, Ashley, Mary, Bridget, Jack, Madeleine, Shannon, Morgan, and seven great grandchildren Matthew, Agustin, Pryor, Noah, Kaden, Grayson, Joshua, and Charlie.

Funeral service for Mary Virginia Sumner will be held at 1 p.m. Friday May 23rd, 2025, at Wickham Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service located at 510 N. 7th Street, in Fredonia, KS.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Topeka, KS. Donations may be left at the funeral home.

https://www.beautifulsaviorkansas.com/