Brenda Jo Sumner

January 19, 1940 - January 9, 2021

Brenda Jo Sumner, 79, of Columbus, died at 2:45 pm, Saturday, January 9, 2021 at Keepsake Village of Columbus. Brenda was born January 19, 1940 in Columbus, the daughter of Carl and Victoria Newland Olmstead. She married Gerald Sumner, he passed away April 24, 2012. In her early years Brenda spent most of her life in Portage, IN. There she owned and operated her own hair salon in her home. She was a world traveler with trips to Alaska, London and she visited Hawaii several times. Brenda enjoyed politics and was proud to be an American. She volunteered her time at various veteran organizations such as the VFW, and the American Legion in Portage, IN. Those that knew Brenda, knew she gave so much of herself to help others. In her busy schedule, she found time to be a good homemaker as well. Brenda will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. The funeral service will be private with the Pastor John Armstrong officiating. Calling will be from 10:00 am until 11:00 am, Friday, at Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral home. Burial will be at Garland Brook Cemetery, Columbus, Indiana. Live streaming of Brenda’s service will be available at 10:00 on Friday by going to www.jewellrittman.com Memorials may be made to the Bartholomew County Humane Society or Our Hospice of South Central Indiana. Survivors include a sister, Bernice Wood, of Columbus; a brother-in-law, Cliff Sumner of Portage, IN; a niece and caregiver, Sandy (Jeff) Gassaway, other nieces and nephews include, Joyce (Mike) Crank, Tracy Wood, Jeff (Rae) Wood, Mike Wood, Troy (Jackie) Wood and Matt (Jessica) Wood, all of Columbus, IN. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, nephew, Donnie Wood and a niece, Loretta Wood. Services were entrusted to the Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home. Jewell – Rittman Family Funeral Home would like to thank everyone in advanced for wearing masks and practicing social distancing while attending gatherings. You are invited to view her video tribute, light a virtual candle and send a message to the family via the internet.