Helen D. Sumpter, 81, of North Liberty, passed away at 5:04 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, 2015, at Katherine Casper Home in Donaldson. She was born on Nov. 11, 1933, in South Bend, to the late Albert and Margaret Bernice (Harbaugh) Pehling. On Nov. 3, 1951, in South Bend, she married Richard C. Sumpter who preceded her in death on Aug. 11, 1998.

Mrs. Sumpter is survived by two daughters: Lynette M. Sumpter, North Liberty; and Lori (Jeffery) Frepan, Anderson; six grandchildren: Jessica (Chris) Tibbett; Sarah Frepan; Brian Frepan; Jeffery (Megan) Frepan Jr.; Zachary Frepan; and Robert Frepan; six great-granddaughters; sister-in-law: Ruth Pehling, South Bend; and several nieces and nephews who she loved dearly. She was preceded in death by two brothers: Gene Pehling; and George Pehling; and sister-pin-law: Francis Pehling.

Mrs. Sumpter was a lifelong area resident. She worked as a receptionist for Dr. Kerry Knape, retiring after ten years. She also worked as a seamstress for Sears Drapery in South Bend, and a Hostess at Whispering Pines Golf Course in North Liberty. She was a member of Pine Creek Church of the Brethren where she formerly served as a deacon and a member of the Order of the Eastern Star Chapter 290. For the past eleven months, Helen captured everyone’s affection with a ready smile and her twinkling blue eyes.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 28, 2015, at Pine Creek Brethren Church, North Liberty. Graveside services and burial will follow at Porter Rae Cemetery, North Liberty. Visitation was held at the church and one hour prior to the services on Monday. Palmer Funeral Home, North Liberty, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Contributions in memory of Helen D. Sumpter may be offered to Catherine Kasper Memory Care, Donaldson. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.