Penelope Sue Lumsden

Penelope “Penny” Lumsden, née Ramaker, passed away peacefully on September 5, 2026, after spending her final days surrounded by friends and family and under the compassionate care of the Skilled Nursing staff at The Garlands of Barrington and JourneyCare Hospice. She was 91 years old.

Penny was born on January 7, 1935, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. An exceptional student, Penny graduated from West Bend High School in just three years. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Hope College and a master’s degree from the University of Michigan.

After teaching in the East Grand Rapids Public Schools and at Ripon College (WI), she married and started a family. Having lost her own mother at the age of 10, Penny devoted herself to her children, becoming their greatest caregiver and advocate. She maintained an active volunteer life, serving as an Elder in the Presbyterian Church U.S.A., as president of the Barrington Presbyterian Women, and on the Board of Directors of the Barrington Area Arts Council. When her children were grown, she returned to professional life as an Instructor in Motorola’s continuing education program.

Penny was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Nora Ramaker, her sister, Nancy VandenBerge (Ramaker), her devoted husband of 52 years, Roy S. Lumsden and her beloved son-in-law, Peter Ruppert. She is survived by her three children, Jessica Ruppert; Stewart Lumsden and his wife, Amy; and Rick Lumsden and his wife, Angela. She also leaves behind nine beloved grandchildren, Jack, Grace, Pierce, and Ben Ruppert, Drew, Tommy, and Mollie Lumsden, and Nora and Clara Lumsden, all of whom brought great joy to her life.

Penny will be remembered by all for her intelligence, creativity, sharp wit, and quiet strength. Above all, her devotion to her family and the legacy she created through her children and grandchildren will be cherished for generations.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at the Presbyterian Church of Barrington on Wednesday, November 25, 2026. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Ramaker Family Scholarship, a scholarship that Roy & Penny established at Hope College. Donate online, designating In Memory of Penny Lumsden – Ramaker Scholarship, or by check made out to Hope College and sent to: Ramaker Scholarship, c/o Philanthropy Services, Hope College, PO Box 9000, Holland, MI 49422-9000.

Alternatively, donations can be made to JourneyCare Hospice of Barrington. The good people there were a great comfort to Penny and her family. Or to the Presbyterian Church of Barrington, Penny’s church home for more than 45 years.