Amber Nicole Stumbaugh of Ames left this world suddenly on August 31, 2010. On this day, the world lost an amazing and inspiring person. She was born October 18, 1975 in California where her parents Nick and Bobbie Stumbaugh, and brother, Kurt, still live. She is survived by her partner of thirteen years, Jill Sherwood, and her beloved pets, Floyd, Kelty, Margaret, and Herbert. Amber had a life-long dream of becoming a veterinarian and she was pursuing that dream with vigor. Having received a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science at the University of California Davis and a Master of Science degree in Genetics at Iowa State University, she returned to Iowa from California to follow her heart. She was in her fourth year of veterinary school at Iowa State University, and well on her way to becoming a remarkable veterinarian. Her love for animals and compassion for people was a gift that she was sharing with the world. She inspired and encouraged many people in the pursuit of her dream. Amber loved life and family, and was always there for anyone. She always had a smile and never took life too seriously. Amber loved being behind the lens of the camera and took many stunning photos. She and Jill found great joy in simple pleasures such as walking their dogs, Floyd and Kelty, or sitting with their cats, Margaret and Herbert. One of her favorite things in life was being on her bicycle, either spending the week riding with friends and family or simply heading out for a quick ride. She had completed triathlons, and many weeklong bike rides including RAGBRAI in Iowa and the AIDS/Lifecycle ride in California. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, and the many people whose lives she touched throughout her too short time on this Earth. Her spirit will continue to live on in all those who knew her, as she would have liked. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that contributions be made in Amber’s name to the Iowa State University School of Veterinary Medicine.
A memorial service will be Friday, Sept. 3rd at 4:00 PM at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care 414 Lincoln Way in Ames.
Online condolences may be sent to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com.
Dear Amber,
I knew you for more than six years and in that time you tourched my heart and my life and was an inspiration to us all. My thoughts goes to your family and especially Jill - you two were such a perfect match. Although you are not here anymore I will always envision you in my head with your smile and positive attitude towards life.
Posted By: Jens - on September 7, 2010
What an incredible loss. Amber was an extremely talented, intelligent, upbeat person who helped me tremendously in the lab in San Francisco. I will miss her greatly. My thoughts are with Jill and her family.
Posted By: Amy Wagner - Friend on September 5, 2010
You were such a good person. I hope all of your family will remember how they helped you bloom through their love and care. You and Jill and Floyd and Kelty and MT and Herbie built a beautiful family.
Posted By: Kim - friend on September 4, 2010
Amber. Thank you for sharing your love of animals, bikes and Iowa with me. I am a better person for knowing you. Rest easy friend. You will be missed.
Posted By: Chris White - on September 3, 2010
Amber, since I met you as a CIT twenty years ago, you have always been a special friend. I will remember our trips to New Mexico, Disneyland, and visiting you in Oakhurst. I will remember the sweetness with which you gave a smile, a hug, or a backrub. I will remember watching you and Jill so happy together, and I will miss you always. Much love
Posted By: Alison Vickery - on September 3, 2010
Amber, since I met you as a CIT twenty years ago, you have always been a special friend. I will remember our trips to New Mexico, Disneyland, and visiting you in Oakhurst. I will remember the sweetness with which you gave a smile, a hug, or a backrub. I will remember watching you and Jill so happy together, and I will miss you always. Much love
Posted By: Alison Vickery - on September 3, 2010
Amber, you brought light to so many lives. You followed your heart and your dreams, and that has always inspired me. I am honored to have called you friend.
Jill, there are no words. Only caring and memories and tears.
Posted By: DeNae Leverentz - on September 3, 2010
Amber,
Although we only met once, I know how much you were loved, and how much you will be missed. You were truly the light in Jill's eyes, and I know she felt blessed to have loved you. Jill, I am wishing you strength and love.
Posted By: Jennifer Fields - on September 3, 2010
Amber,
You will be missed. I am so grateful that I had a chance to be a part of your life. My prayers go out to all that knew Amber. Calvin touched so many lives in so many ways. I will always have fond memories to share about the wonderful woman Calvin is.
Posted By: Lisa Backovich - on September 3, 2010
I will never forget her Coyote and Tadger story telling at Skylark. We had many great get togethers over the years. I always looked forward to seeing her. Prayers and strength to Jill, the pets and the rest of her family.
Posted By: Stacey Martinsky - Skylark 1992 on September 2, 2010
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