Naomi Sumsion Obituary

Our beloved mother, grandmother and friend, Naomi Rose Bussing Sumsion, peacefully passed from this life on Monday, July 7, 2025 at the age of 92.

She was born on February 16, 1933 in the Stockton, New York to Ethel Persons and George Bussing. She was raised in Batavia by her wonderful mother, Ethel, who loved Naomi very much. Her Grandma and Grandpa Dowd, along with close family friends, Bill and Genevieve Adams, also played formative roles in Naomi’s upbringing. It was through “Aunt Gen” and “Uncle Bill” that Naomi was introduced to the gospel of Jesus Christ. As she grew, she remembered this introduction and openly welcomed the missionaries into her home at the age of 18.

One of the missionaries teaching Naomi in New York was Richard Sumsion. He asked his mother to invite Naomi to dinner when she came to Utah to visit. That is where Naomi met Robert Sumsion, who would later become her eternal companion.

After Naomi moved to Utah in 1951, she began studying nursing at Brigham Young University. She and Robert courted for some time before the happy event of their marriage on October 29, 1954—an event many saw as providential.

Naomi started working as a scrub nurse at the LDS hospital after graduation. She paused her professional life to raise her four children—Sue, Ann, Bill, and Bob. Being a mother and grandmother was a role that brought her more joy than any other. She was heartbroken over the loss of her daughter Annie in 1974. We can only imagine the reunion they are having now.

In 1976, Naomi returned to nursing at Utah Valley Hospital, and then later the Provo Surgical Center. She loved the years she spent working there caring for so many.

Robert and Naomi accepted a call in 1992 to serve a church mission in London, England. After returning from their mission, they became ordinance workers in the Provo, Utah Temple where they served for nearly twenty years. They cherished the friendships made during their service in England and in their service in the temple.

Robert and Naomi were affectionately known around Springville for their daily walks through town hand-in-hand, rain or shine. At home, Naomi and Robert also enjoyed many years of cooking new recipes, gardening in their beautiful yard, or reading in the den.

Naomi was the heart of her family — an avid supporter at every game, recital, or graduation. She was always there to cheer us on. She was the driving force at bringing family together for events big and small—holidays, reunions, cousin sleepovers, or family dinners—there was always something to look forward to.

Naomi was a gifted conversationalist and a loyal friend to many. She kept a daily list of people to check on and tasks to complete. She was exceptional in connecting with others and in making them feel loved.

A few years after Robert’s passing, Naomi moved to Ashford Assisted Living Center. There she met Don Moyer. They were married on August 11, 2023. Don passed away three days before Naomi on July 4, 2025. Our family appreciates Don’s love, care and companionship these past two years.

We would also like to thank the employees and residents at Ashford, and also Naomi’s hospice nurse, Nicole, for their help and kindness.

We will miss our biggest supporter and exemplar. We know she will be waiting to greet us in heaven with her trade mark “Yoo-hoo!”

Naomi is survived by her children: Sue (Sheldon) Davis, Bill (Lynette) Sumsion, and Bob (Rochelle) Sumsion; Sister-in-law LaPrele Sumsion; Thirteen grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren. Naomi is preceded in death by many loved ones, namely her husband, Robert, daughter, Ann, and her mother, Ethel, and Don.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 12 at 11:00 a.m. in the Springville 3rd ward Chapel located at 355 East Center street, Springville, Utah. A viewing for friends and family will be held prior to the service from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the church. Burial will be at the Springville Evergreen Cemetery.

Condolences may be expressed to the family on this page.

Livestream can be viewed below, or at the following link: https://youtube.com/live/6KB_JVxfUQ4?feature=share