Ira Milton Sumner

IRA MILTON SUMNER

Born Feb, 11, 1929, in Worland, WY to Father Rudy Sumner and Mother Ave Etta Haynes (both Deceased) Ira survived his siblings: Genevieve Busby, Mary Alice Reynolds, Roselie Sumner, L. Dean Sumner, and John Sumner. On the day of his passing, July 9, 2024, Ira went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and is at peace.

Ira grew up a Wyoming farm boy on his father's Manderson farm, pulling pranks, loving family, and developing a passion for fishing and hunting. Ira went to school in Basin, Wyoming and met his sweetheart, Leah Akers, at church in Lovell Wyoming. They fell in love and were married in 1950. During their 27 year marriage they had 5 children who have survived him: Ira David Sumner (Pauline), Judith Dellinger (Dan), Dale Sumner (Rosie), Jacqueline Stingley (Bob), and Jeanne Spence (Mike).

Ira enlisted in the Army and spent 2 years serving as a parts engineer in Korea which he remembered as being "colder than everything". After returning from Korea, Ira began the start of his journey as an entrepreneur. Ira and Leah moved to Billings to go to college, and he got a job as a weatherman at the local TV station. Ira spent many weekends traveling as a Lay Pastor for the Southern Baptist church to spread the love of God and the story of Jesus. Ira and family moved to Butte where Ira was a weatherman on KXLF TV. Three years later Ira become a partner in a truss manufacturing business in Whitehall. Ever looking forward to new opportunities, he studied and became a real estate agent. His first sale in the 60's was a $768,000 ranch. The family moved in 1973 to Cascade, MT where he opened his own real estate office and later partnered with Milt Hovde. Ira and Leah divorced in 1977.

It was at Cascade that he met the "love of his life", Evelyn Hovde, who he married in 1978, spending the next 38 years together. Ira loved his extended family and step-children: David Hovde (Betty), Dick Hovde (Joanne), DeWayne Hovde (Melody), and Robyn Ogden (Dan), all of whom have survived him. Ira loved spending time with sisters-in-law Ruth Severson, Anna Mae Stuntz, Phyllis Humpal, and his cherished Arlene, who lovingly called him "Hot Dog". Over the years, Ira and Evie opened a restaurant in Augusta, MT, moved to Big Sky, operated a real estate property management business, and started "Ooo-Tattoo" pantyhose. Ira roofed many dwellings in Big Sky with son Dale. Together Ira and Evie traveled and met a seemingly endless stream of new friends who they included in their adventures. Ira was able to fish to his heart's content on the many rivers of Montana.

Some of Ira's most cherished memories are from working for 10 years on the 7 Lazy P guest ranch for Chuck and Sharon Blixrud. He became proficient at telling the story of "Rindercella" and enjoyed entertaining guests. Ira and Evie moved to New Richmond WI to be closer to family until her passing in 2016.

Ira moved back to Montana in 2017 and stayed with daughter Jacque for 4 years. He became reacquainted with his high school classmate, sweet Barbara J. Green and became "Twitter pated". He moved to Basin WY and loved being her companion for 2 years. Health concerns brought Ira back to Montana in May 2024 to live with Dale until his passing. He said he felt like he had found his home there as they helped him with his last journey.

Ira Sumner is also survived by nephews, nieces, grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren too numerous to list, but all whom he loved dearly.

It is with sadness we say, "So long, Hot Dog". Rest in Peace.