Elna (Niva) Sumption, 101, died peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, March 20, at Riverside Assisted Care in Pine River, Minn.
Elna was born in Frederick on Jan. 7, 1912. She was the second daughter of Emil and Julia (Rauma) Niva. She graduated from Frederick High school in 1928 and married Erwin (Ole) Sumption in 1929. In 1936, they moved with their son, Lavon, to Akeley, Minn., where Ole worked in the Red River lumber mill, logged, and played in a dance band, while Elna raised vegetables and chickens. In 1940, they moved again to the farm northwest of Longville where they raised sheep, cattle and chickens. Their second son, John, was born in 1951.
In addition to farming, Elna was active in the Longville community. She served for many years on the Margaret Welch Public Library Board, was active in Farmer's Union, and was a 4-H Club leader. She was instrumental in helping establish the Kitchigami Regional Library and served for over 25 years as a bookmobile librarian. She also worked for many years at Forestview Lodge on Leech Lake, serving as their dining room hostess well into her 80's. In later years, she served as a volunteer driver, taking "the old people" shopping and to doctor's appointments and was active in the YAH Club.
In 2003, after 63 years on the farm, Elna moved to the Riverside Senior Apartments along Norway Brook in Pine River, where she enjoyed reading, exercising and playing cards with many old friends. The excellent care she received from the Good Samaritan staff there and later, at Riverside Assisted Care, added immeasurably to the quality of her life.
Elna was preceeded in death by her husband, Ole (1976), and is survived by sons: Lavon (Peggy) and John (Lissa); 7 grandchildren: John Sumption, Gloria Sumption, Christine Sumption (Richard White), Robin (Wayne) Campbell, Elizabeth Sumption (Rodel Broas), Trevor (Jody) Sumption and Derek (Jen) Sumption; and 7 great-grandchildren: Amy, Kate, Kelli, Morgan, Joshua, Cayden and Grady.
Elna had a zest for life and and eternally inquisitive nature that she instilled in all her family. A family memorial gathering will be held this summer.
Memorials are preferred to the Margaret Welch Memorial Library c/o John Sumption, 6597 County 125 NE, Longville, MN 56655.