Catherine "Cathy" A. Bumbaugh

Catherine “Cathy” Ann Bumbaugh, also known as "Wagon,” passed away at age 73 on December 29, 2025 with family by her side in Waterville, OH. Born on August 10, 1952 to Helen (Leech) and Raymond Beringer of Toledo, OH - Catherine was the second oldest of six children. She was on the swim team in her youth, graduating from Rogers high school. Her biological father died when she was 15 years old. She lived a life defined by hard work and deep love for her family. Cathy was a devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt, friend and so much more. She married Vietnam Veteran John Bumbaugh on October 6, 1973, and they were married for 45 years until his passing in 2018. They raised their son in Swanton and worked to give him every opportunity they wished they had for themselves.

Cathy was active and spirited. She enjoyed exercising, riding motorcycles with her husband, knitting, reading, watching movies and playing bunco. Another constant in her life was the bond she shared with her three childhood best friends, who supported her right until the end. She helped others whenever she could and wasn’t afraid to speak her mind. A talented cook, she expressed her love through preparing delicious meals - always ensuring guests were well-fed. She loved family gatherings and often hosted Thanksgiving at her home. For nearly 30 years, she worked tirelessly as a letter carrier for the USPS.

As is often the case with frontotemporal dementia, Cathy’s symptoms began many years before they were clearly recognized. The manifestations of this type of dementia include personality changes that were uncharacteristic for Cathy and were difficult for others to understand. These moments did not reflect who Cathy truly was. Her family hopes she is remembered not for her eccentricities brought on by illness, but instead for the strong, loving, fiercely loyal woman she was at her core.

Although she lost the ability to engage in conversation years ago, she could still sing along to her favorite songs and remembered every word. Despite the limitations imposed by her condition, her grandchildren looked forward to visiting her and sharing hot cocoa. Cathy was also beloved by the caregivers at StoryPoint Senior Living where she resided since 2020.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John Bumbaugh (2018); her biological father, Raymond Beringer (1967); her parents, Helen (2011) and Richard Jaeger (2019); her sister, Joann Fisher (2006); her brothers, Fred (2017) and Tom Beringer (2020); and her brother-in-law David Fisher (2016).

Cathy is survived by her son, Stephen (Brianna) Bumbaugh; grandchildren, Audrey Violet Bumbaugh and Cosmo John Bumbaugh; sister, Rachel (Mark) Miller; brother, Chris (Lisa) Jaeger; sisters-in-law, Fred’s wife Florence and Tom’s wife Betty; her three childhood best friends, Judith George, Pamela Noyce, and Terri Jo Symons; and numerous nieces, nephews, friends, and caregivers who miss her dearly.

The family will receive guests Tuesday, January 6, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Service at 12:30 p.m. at Newcomer SW Chapel, 4752 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo (419-381-1900). Burial will follow at Ottawa Hills Memorial Park Cemetery.

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