Virginia "Ginny" Bumsted

Virginia “Ginny” Bumsted, age 100 of Marshalltown, passed away on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at Harmony of Marshalltown.

Born Virginia Robold on October 22, 1925, in Jamaica, Queens, New York, she was the only child of Joseph and Ruth (Strom) Robold.

On June 16, 1946, Ginny was united in marriage with Alva Bumsted, a proud navy serviceman, and together they began a life full of love and adventure. The couple had three children: Alan, Gary, and Susan.

Before moving to Iowa in 1949, Virginia worked as a secretary at a law firm in New York. After settling in Iowa, she became affectionately known as the “Story Hour Lady.” Each week, she read aloud to young children and led them in craft activities, sparking imagination and joy. Her warm voice was also familiar to many as the voice of the library’s weekly radio program. Virginia served the Marshalltown Public Library from December 24, 1968 to March 8, 1985. She was also the secretary at Miller Middle School.

Ginny was a woman of many interests. She enjoyed traveling with family, fishing, camping, drawing, painting, knitting and was an avid reader. Ginny was a member of the Y.M.C.A Craft Club. In her younger years, she enjoyed modeling. Alva and Ginny were active members of a square dance club, sharing many joyful evenings with friends. She was also a proud member of Beta Sigma Phi, a women’s organization focused on friendship, learning, and service.

Virginia was recognized for her 100th birthday by the City of Marshalltown and now October 22nd is officially Virginia Bumsted Day! Virginia was marked by creativity, community, and care – a legacy that lives on in the hearts who know her.

Left to cherish her memory are her children: Alan (Stacy) Bumsted of Spring, Texas, Gary Bumsted of Marshalltown, and Susan Mohler (Al Behrends) of Rochelle, Illinois; eight grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews – she was also a great-great-great aunt!

In death, Ginny is reunited with her parents: Joseph and Ruth; her husband: Alva; son-in-law, Monty; and grandson, Broc.

Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, March 20, 2026, at Mitchell Family Funeral Home. Visitation will be held one hour prior. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery in Marshalltown.

Mitchell Family Funeral Home has been entrusted to care for Ginny and her family. To leave online condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. Ph. 641-844-1234.

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