Ethel Gumm

Ethel Vertna Nichols Gumm, age 88 years, 10 months, and 2 days, passed away on January 14, 2026, in Abilene, Texas. She was born on March 12, 1937, in Harrison, Arkansas.

Ethel grew up in Arkansas on a farm, where she helped care for her younger siblings and learned the value of hard work and family at an early age. In the late 1940s, after she finished the eighth grade, her family moved to Sanger, California, where she spent much of her adult life. She married John Gumm on June 12, 1969, and together they raised their son, John "Eric" Gumm, while celebrating life's milestones alongside siblings and extended family. John Gumm preceded her in death on April 14, 1996, in Fresno, California.

In 2016, Ethel moved to Abilene, Texas, to be closer to her son and his family. She later became a resident of Avir at Abilene nursing home (previously called BrightPoint), where she had been a resident since the early spring of 2021.

Ethel earned her high school diploma by attending night school while working, a reflection of her determination and perseverance. Her work life was varied and honest, including picking fruit in California orchards, being a seamstress, working at a private school her son attended, operating the switchboard at Sears, clerical office work, and ultimately serving as a personal care home health aide.

Her greatest pride and accomplishment was always her family. Faith and family were what mattered most to her, and she lived that belief daily. Over the years, she enjoyed reading, crocheting, coloring, sewing and spending time playing with her grandchildren when they were young. She will be remembered for the deep pride she held in her family and the quiet strength with which she lived her life.

Ethel is survived by her son, Eric Gumm, and his wife, Sherry; granddaughter Lauren Cole and her husband, Logan; grandson John Paul Gumm and his fiancé, Meg; granddaughter Emily Clute and her husband, Andrew; great-granddaughter Sadie Clute; and sister, Barbara Clements, of Sanger, California..

She was preceded in death by her husband, John Gumm; her sister, Ruth Nichols Sears; and her brothers, J.D. Nichols, Truman Nichols, Roy Nichols, and James Nichols.

Services are under the direction of Piersall Funeral Home. A memorial service is scheduled for Sunday, January 18, 2026 at three o'clock in the afternoon. Visitation with the family will follow the service celebrating her life.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Big Country Hospice or to the Westgate Church of Christ.

With a determined faith, Ethel trusted in the promises of eternal life. Her faith-filled legacy will continue through the generations she leaves behind.