Brenda Ciummo

Brenda Jane Ciummo, 61, Topeka, Kansas, passed away on Monday, December 25, 2023. Brenda was born in Hutchinson, Kansas, the daughter of Charles and Onabel Heyen Ragsdale. She graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1980 and in 1984 earned a Bachelor of Music in Voice from McPherson College. In her early career, she worked as an administrative assistant in Dallas, Texas and then moved to Topeka to work for the St. Francis Hospital Foundation Department. Shortly after moving to Topeka, she met Russ Ciummo, and they were married on June 18, 1994. Brenda raised and later homeschooled their three children from Pre-K through high school, and participated in their homeschool community, Cornerstone Family Schools. In Cornerstone, she was a board member, mentored younger mothers, provided food for the sick, coordinated sports teams, and was a dear friend to many. She was a member of Topeka Bible Church and held a number of women’s Bible studies in her home. She loved being around others, making sure they were comfortable and having a good time. In her spare time, Brenda enjoyed home projects, painting cabinets and walls, playing with the family dogs, cooking, thrifting, and watching KU basketball and Chiefs football. Brenda had a contagious laugh, and she was happiest when she was around her family and friends. Brenda is survived by her husband, Russ; and her children, Ben Ciummo (Rachel), Anna Van Camp (Kolby), Andrew Ciummo; brother, Vernon Ragsdale (Pam); parents-in-law, Mario and Carol Ciummo; brother-in-law, Nick Ciummo (Jane); sister-in-law, Gia Schuetz (Douglas); four nephews; and three nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Bonnie Ragsdale. Visitation will be 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614, where the memorial service will start at 11 a.m. Inurnment will follow in Mount Hope Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Topeka Rescue Mission or SCARS sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com. In her last women's Bible Study, Brenda was impressed by John 6:35 where Jesus said, "I am the Bread of Life; he who comes to Me shall not hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst." Brenda was a true believer in Jesus and is now resting with Him. We will see her again and talk to her about our lives and why everything happened the way it did. We will all have a better understanding at that time, but for now are trusting that God will work all of this sadness together for good. He is the Bread of Life and Brenda is enjoying that Life today.

Brenda Ciummo

January 12, 1962 - December 25, 2023