Marilyn “Jeanne” Sumney died Monday, Oct. 16, 2017, at 3:04 p.m. Jeanne was born to Madge Shrider on July 26, 1926, in Lima, Ohio. She married Dallas Cheney in 1944. To this marriage their only child, Linda, was born. Following divorce, she married W. Fred Sumney in 1983 and he died in 2004.
Jeanne was a member of the LaFayette Jackson High School class of 1944, having spent nearly all her life in the LaFayette area, most of the time on the family farm. She had worked at a private college bookstore in Ada, the Bluffton College bookstore, and later at Ohio Northern University.
She was a member of many organizations including the LaFayette Jackson Historical Society and several local garden clubs.
She was most recently a member of the Emmanuel United Church of Christ, Bluffton,and had been a member of the County Line Church of the Brethren and Desenberg Lutheran Church, which she attended in her early years.
Surviving is her daughter, Linda (Norman) Reichenbach of rural Ada. She is also survived by grandchildren: Gregory, Daryl (Nancy) and Chad (Angie); and great grandchildren: Leila and Laiq, Rae Lyn, and Brooke, Nickolas and Adrianna.
Jeanne was also stepmother to Fred’s children: Michael (Carol), Judy (John) Daily, Mark (Donita), Tracy (Jerry) Boyer and Anthony “Rowdy” (Ramona); and their several step grandchildren and step great grandchildren.
In addition to her mother, Madge Shrider, she was preceded in death by her husband, Fred Sumney and several brothers and sisters-in-law.
Per Jeanne’s wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral services. Instead, there will be a Life Celebration on Saturday, Oct. 28, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Emmanuel United Church of Christ, 8375 N. Phillips Road, Bluffton. There will be a private interment at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to the church, Vancrest of Ada, or the charity of the donor’s choice. In lieu of flowers, please plant a tree or flower, be kind to your neighbor and hug your children.
Condolences can be expressed at www.hansonneely.com
Arrangements are by Hanson-Neely Funeral Home, Ada
