Phyllis E. Cumming

Phyllis E. Cumming, 89, of St. Edward, NE, passed away Monday, November 3, 2025, Mid-Nebraska Lutheran Home, Newman Grove, NE.

Funeral Services will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Levander Funeral Home of Albion with Rev. Gary Werling officiating. Interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery, St. Edward, NE. Following the interment there be a lunch at Faith Lutheran Church in St. Edward, NE. Visitation will be Friday from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Levander Funeral Home of Albion.

Miller-Levander Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Phyllis Emalee Cumming, daughter of Paul Alfred and Alta Helen (Hammer) Noreen, was born on November 9, 1935, in Madison County, NE. She was baptized on December 15, 1935, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Newman Grove and later confirmed there on May 28, 1950. Phyllis attended District #61 in Platte County through the eighth grade before continuing her education at Newman Grove High School, where she graduated with the class of 1953. After high school, she taught at District #37 in Boone County.

On August 8, 1958, Phyllis was united in marriage to Lonnie R. Cumming

at Trinity Lutheran Church in Newman Grove. The couple farmed together, first in Boone County from 1958 to 1970, and later in Platte County from 1970 to 1996. In 1996, they retired from living on the farm and moved into St. Edward, where Phyllis resided until her passing in 2025. Throughout her life, Phyllis was a devoted wife, mother, and homemaker, and was still involved with the farm until her passing.

Phyllis was a lifelong member of several Lutheran congregations, including Trinity Lutheran Church, Salem Lutheran Church, and Faith Lutheran Church.

She was involved in her community, participating in the Night-N-Gals Extension Club, Ladies
Aid, LWML, also served as a Sunday School teacher and treasurer, as well as donating time to many community organizations in the area.

She enjoyed traveling with her husband and vacationing with her children and grandchildren, attending her family's school and sporting events, especially the grandchildren's basketball games. She also enjoyed playing skee-ball and going to Dairy Queen. She also enjoyed watching football and Husker volleyball, along with game shows and soap operas. Known for her grit, quick wit, and competitive spirit, Phyllis was a friend and ally, always just a phone call away when someone needed help. Her caring nature and steadfast support touched everyone who knew her.

Phyllis is survived by her five children: LeAnn Cumming of Columbus, NE; Linda (Dan) Hamling of Albion, NE; Laurie Swett of Omaha, NE; Jan Cumming of St. Edward, NE; and Brian (Vanessa) Cumming of St. Edward, NE; 11 grandchildren: Aaron (Tiare) Hamling of Albion, NE; Jordan (Michael) Hasenkamp of Washington, KS; Tanner Swett of Omaha, NE; Cheyenne Green of St. Edward, NE; Ethan (Adrian) Green of Claremore, OK; Alex (Justin) Meyer of Belgrade, NE; Emily (Adam) Ball of Ludington, MI; Evan (Courtney) Cumming of St. Edward, NE; Roy (fiancée Emily Soll) Cumming of St. Edward, NE; and Jean and Ryan Cumming, both of St. Edward, NE; as well as 19 great-grandchildren and many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband: Lonnie in 2021; her parents: Paul and Alta Noreen; great-grandson: Leo Hasenkamp; son-in-law: Joe Swett; sisters-in-law: Nana (Carroll) Channer and Janet Cumming; and parents-in-law: Roy and Esther Cumming.