Barbara Ann "Brimmer" Sumner

Barbara Ann (Brimmer) Sumner, 92, passed away after a brief illness on Thursday, January 15, 2026.

A memorial service for Barbara will be held on Monday, March 16, 2026, at Smith Funeral Home and in Grinnell, Iowa, at 10:30 a.m. A luncheon will follow the service at Smith Funeral Home. Burial will take place afterward at Calvary Cemetery in Brooklyn, Iowa.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Girls on the Run.

Barbara was born on October 8, 1933, to Howard and Emma (Roth) Brimmer in Brooklyn, Iowa. She graduated from Brooklyn High School and later made her home in Marion, Iowa, where she raised her four children. Her beloved neighbors became her village over the 50 years she lived there. Barbara worked at Martin Marietta and MCI in Cedar Rapids where she enjoyed her job and made life-long friends. She lived at Connect 55+ in Ankeny the last six years of her life and loved the fellowship and community of the wonderful people she met.

Barbara was the heart of her family and the quiet strength behind everything they are. Her love for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren knew no limits. She gave endlessly of herself and found her greatest joy in simply being with the people she loved. Her presence made others feel safe, valued, and deeply cared for. Barbara was at her happiest attending her

children's, grandchildren and great-grandchildren's sporting, show choir, academic and dance events. Family was always her highest priority, and her warmth, generosity, and gentle spirit will be remembered by all who knew her.

A talented seamstress, Barbara created beauty with her hands, pouring care into every stitch. She hand-made greeting cards for her family to celebrate important events and accomplishments. She was also an avid reader with a lifelong curiosity and love of learning. Barbara gave generously of her time, volunteering for many years at the Marion Public Library and St. Joseph's Catholic Church. To her friends, she was loyal, kind, and always ready to listen. Barbara found joy in cheering for the Iowa Hawkeyes, a passion she carried throughout her life.

Those left to cherish Barbara's memory include her four children: Roger (Julie) Sumner of Batavia, Illinois; Neal (Karen) Sumner of Dublin, Ohio; Wendy (Rick) Robinson of Granger, Iowa; and Scott (Jenny) Sumner of Ankeny, Iowa; eleven grandchildren, Angela (Ken) Price of North Aurora, IL; Kyle (Hayley) Sumner of Chicago, IL; Laura (Jay) Kahn of Norman, OK; Torey (Chris) Cuellar of Ames, IA; Katie (Jeff) Capella of Columbus, OH; Austin Sumner of Batavia, IL; Christine (Josh) Bell of Plain City, OH; Jordin Robinson of LaGrange, IL; Bryan (Claire) Sumner of Johnston, IA; Brenna Robinson of Tiffin, IA; and Holly Sumner of Des Moines, IA; and twelve great-grandchildren, Everly, Adalyn, Brielle, Wes, Kendall, Drew, Jack, Reese, Stella, Sadie, August, and Henry.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Emma Brimmer.