Obituaries

Barbara Kathryn Sumpter, 77, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 8, 2026. Born in Decatur, Illinois, on October 16, 1948, to the late Guy and Sarah Gragg Sumpter, Barbara lived a life marked by faith, kindness, and a deep devotion to the children she taught.

Barbara had an extraordinary gift for teaching children. She earned her master’s degree in elementary education and her Rank I certification, then began her career in 1976 at Redwood. Barbara went on to teach at Cresent Springs Elementary and River Ridge Elementary before retiring. After a year of retirement, Barbara decided she wasn’t finished. She worked at St. Cecilia for several years before retiring for good in 2025. In the classroom, she was more than an exceptional teacher—she was a steady source of encouragement, creativity, and joy. She poured her heart into helping each child feel valued, capable, and excited to learn, and her students were blessed by the care she brought to every one of them.

Outside the classroom, Barbara found joy in the simple and meaningful things: time spent with her family and friends, collecting marbles, and treasuring signed books. She also had a deep love and compassion for animals, especially her beloved dogs, who brought her companionship, and much happiness through the years. Barbara’s faith was the foundation of her life. She loved God with a quiet and unwavering devotion, and her Catholic faith guided the way she loved, taught, and cared for others. She was a parishioner at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Independence.

Barbara is preceded in death by her parents, Guy and Sarah Sumpter.

Survivors include her sister, Brenda (Stephen) Bryant; brother, Jeptha (Debbie) Sumpter; her life long best friend, Javita Reeves; her nephews, Jeptha “Jeppie” (Elissa) Sumpter, Benjamin (LeeAnn) Bryant; niece, Kristin (Kevin) Shramvich and a host of extended family and dear friends.

In keeping with Barbara’s wishes, no formal services will be held at this time.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Barbara’s name to Stray Haven PO Box 571, Aurora, IN 47001.