Constance “Connie” Ruth Mumme, 87, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 26, 2012 while surrounded by family and friends at the Tobacco Root Mountains Care Center.
She is survived by her husband, Kenneth; four children: Daniel, Robert, Christopher, and Holley; twelve grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.
Born December 12, 1924 to Lloyd and Marion Holley of Fillmore, Calif., Connie was the second of three children. She spent much of her youth on the orchard ranch owned by her father, and graduated from Fillmore High School with honors in 1942.
After attending Occidental College in 1943-44, Connie transferred to the University of California-Berkeley. There she studied education for three years, using her talents to substitute teach in the Fillmore School District. She would go on to earn the position of head librarian within the district. Among Connie’s many talents, she was a remarkably skilled seamstress, piano player, singer, writer, and caretaker.
On March 30, 1946, Connie was married to Kenneth Mumme upon his return from WWII. Four years later, after the birth of her second son, she temporarily took on the role of primary parent as Kenneth returned to duty in the Korean War.
In 1971, Connie and Kenneth moved from Fillmore to Sheridan with children Chris and Holley. An active member of the community for 41 years, Connie left a lasting mark in Sheridan working alongside her husband as co-owner of the Madison Market and Sheridan Bakery. She was a pillar of strength in the Sheridan Methodist Church and a friend to many within the community. Her final years were spent being loved and cared for by her devoted husband and the health care staff at the Tobacco Root Mountains Care Center.
She will be remembered for her wit and for a spirit that lives on in her more than twenty direct descendants. Even in the throes of Alzheimer’s, which stole much of her memory, her wonderful sense of humor prevailed. After 66 years of marriage, Connie set an incredible standard in loving her family, and for that she will be missed dearly by so many.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 31, at 11 a.m. from the Bethel Methodist Church at Sheridan with Rev. Ben Nardi officiating. Interment will follow in the Sheridan Cemetery.