Merle V Sumners

Merle V. Sumners, 102, of Carthage passed away at 5:40 a.m., Friday, December 10, 2010 four days before her 103rd birthday. She was born on December 14, 1907 in Aurora, MO. Merle was the daughter of Oscar A. Franklin and Lona C. (Casto)Franklin. She was a homemaker most of her life and a huge part of the live of her 3 grandchildren after the death of their mother, (her only daughter) Sue Carole Moore, at the age of 36, in 1973. In her younger years, she worked at the shoe factory as a "Fancy Stitcher" and developed a talent for sewing unmatched by many. Merle grew up in a time of women's rights and she was a strong willed independent woman her entire life. She lived at home and cared for herself for 102 years. She was also a member of Fairview Christian Church for many years. Merle married Plummer (P.D.) Sumners on December 24, 1927 in Mt. Vernon, MO., they were happily married for 53 years before his death on August 9, 1980. Merle was raised in a large, close family that was blessed with longevity, as both of her parents and most of her siblings lived to be in their nineties. However, she is only survived by one sister who is currently 95, Emma Wilfley of Aurora, MO. She is also survived by her three adoring grandchildren: Mark Moore and wife Debbie of Joplin, Tami O'Neill and husband Peter of Flower Mound, TX and Todd Moore and wife Dot of Carthage; six great-granddaughters; Caitlin O'Neill, Briana O'Neill, Adleigh O'Neill, Christina Moore, Chelsea Wormington and Ciarra Wormington; and many loving nieces and nephews. Merle was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter, son-in-law, Ardell R. Moore, two brothers, O.A. Franklin, Jr., and Earl Franklin and four sisters; Louise Crawford, Mildred Atwell, Loraine Taylor and Maxine Dumitt. In celebration of her life, services will be at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 14, 2010 on her birthday at Ulmer Funeral Home. Visitation will be at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, December 13, 2010. Contributions bay be made to the Carthage Humane Society in honor of Merle's great love of all animals. She never turned away a stray. Arrangements are under the direction of the Ulmer Funeral Home. We would like to thank the staff at Freeman East for the patience, kindness and care given to Grandma during this last month.

Merle V Sumners

December 14, 1907 - December 10, 2010