Sylvia Sumners' Obituary
Sylvia Janis Sumners, age 87 of Stover, MO passed away peacefully on February 18, 2026, at Bothwell Regional Health Center, just days before her 88th birthday.
Sylvia was born on February 22, 1938, to Thomas Clyde Callahan and Florence Mable (Merry) Callahan in Saint Clair County Missouri on the family farm.
She is survived by her devoted husband, William (Bill) Richard Sumners; her loving sons, Randy Mendenhall, Mike Wiskur, and Nick Wiskur; and her stepdaughters, Kimberly Herrod and Amanda Sumners. She is also survived by her cherished grandsons, granddaughters, great-grandsons, and great-granddaughters.
Sylvia is survived by one sister, Bessie Maxine Thomas, and one brother, Thomas Wayne Callahan.
She was preceded in death by her son, Troy; her daughter, Debbie; her brothers, Charles Edwin and Patrick Daniel Callahan; and her sisters, Vera Elaine Schoor, Anna Marie Corwin, and Ruth Lucille Tutor.
Sylvia and Bill have quite a love story which began in 1982. From the very beginning, Bill would say that Sylvia was the most beautiful person you could ever meet — not just on the outside, but even more so on the inside. Both had experienced previous marriages, and Bill was cautious about opening his heart again. In fact, he told Sylvia plainly that he wasn’t looking for a wife.
With a smile, she asked, “Well then, what are you looking for?”
Bill replied, “A fishing buddy.”
So their very first date was a fishing trip. Sylvia, who was living in Clinton, Missouri at the time, took Bill to a little creek just south of town. That day, Sylvia out-fished him — a fact Bill never forgot. But she didn’t stop there. She took the fish home, helped clean them, cooked them, and served them to Bill. He was beyond impressed.
Over the next two years, what began as a fishing partnership grew into a deep and certain love. On November 21, 1984, they were married, beginning 42 beautiful years side by side. Together they built a life filled with devotion, laughter, faith, and steadfast companionship.
In 1991, their love for each other was joined by an even deeper spiritual bond when they began studying the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses. On December 28, 1991, both Bill and Sylvia dedicated their lives to Jehovah and symbolized that dedication by baptism. From that day forward, their marriage was firmly centered on their shared faith. Sylvia remained faithful and devoted to Jehovah God until her death, cherishing the hope found in His promises.
When Sylvia passed, Bill lost the love of his life. Yet his grief is softened by the same hope that Sylvia held dear — the Bible’s promise of a resurrection. Jesus assured us at John 5:28,29 that “the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out.” That promise remains a source of comfort and confidence, sustaining Bill until the day he can welcome his beloved Sylvia again.
Sylvia will be remembered for her love of family, friends and unwavering faith. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
The family warmly welcomes you to attend Sylvia’s memorial service.
Saturday, March 28, 2026
1:00 p.m.
Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses
1635 Highway 52
Stover, Missouri
What’s your fondest memory of Sylvia?
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Share a story where Sylvia's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Sylvia you’ll never forget.
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