In loving memory of

Amber N. Stumbaugh
October 18, 1975 - August 31, 2010

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.


Tributes

Jens wrote on Sep 7, 2010:

"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."

Amy Wagner wrote on Sep 5, 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."

Kim wrote on Sep 4, 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."

Chris White wrote on Sep 3, 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."

Alison Vickery wrote on Sep 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"

Alison Vickery wrote on Sep 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"

DeNae Leverentz wrote on Sep 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. "

Jennifer Fields wrote on Sep 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."

Lisa Backovich wrote on Sep 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."

Stacey Martinsky wrote on Sep 2, 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."

Kim B./Sunshine wrote on Sep 2, 2010:

"Amber - you are missed by so many. I always knew you to be a wonderful and kind person, but I am still struck by number of people who are lost and missing you today. What an impact you have made in this world. To Jill and the Stumbaugh Family - I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you. "

Liz Rosas, aka puppy-love on smofo wrote on Sep 2, 2010:

"Amber, your zest for life, deep capacity for empathy, humor, friendship and fellowship touched so many. While I mourn your loss, to live in hearts you live behind is not to die. All that you did for others and the world remains and is immortal. "

Laurie Texera wrote on Sep 2, 2010:

"you touched so many of us, we will miss you...your inspiration, devotion to friends, family & critters, your sense of humor. my favorite memories: Pink Floyd ~ i saved the photo of him, it makes me smile. and of course the post you made on SmoFo about your acceptance to vet school to pursue your dream. RIP amber."

Marcia Rempell wrote on Sep 2, 2010:

"My deepest condolences to everyone who knew and loved Amber, and I dare say that anyone who ever met her, whether in real life or virtually, loved her. I will miss her wit, integrity, empathy, compassion for all animals, love of life and determination. Amber made this world a much better place."

Michelle Leicester wrote on Sep 2, 2010:

"I can't convey the pain I feel at seeing your life cut short so abruptly. What I will keep: your compassion; your unmatched sense of humor and perpetual willingness to push the envelope; your humility; your love of animals; your steadfast commitment to those beings you loved. You'll live on in the laughter, memories and inspiration you left behind in all of us. I'm so grateful I had the chance to know you... wherever you are, I know you are smiling."

Adam Conn wrote on Sep 2, 2010:

"Amber, though we never met, you were able to touch me and the lives of many others with your infectious enthusiasm and happiness. Your gift is alive in all who knew you, even a little"

Brandy Batze wrote on Sep 2, 2010:

"Dearest Amber: You were such an inspiration to me and to those around you. I will always remember your joy, your passion and your zest for life. You lived a life without regret, full of love and peace. May we all be comforted with the memories we share of your life, knowing that these will never fade."

Carolyn Fitzsimmons wrote on Sep 2, 2010:

"Dear Amber, Working with you and being your friend has been a blessing. I spent many a happy evening with you and Jill in Ames, getting introduced to sushi and wasabi, good beer and coffee, and of course smelly cheese. Your good nature surrounded you and inspired those around you. May your new journey be a brilliant one, gentle spirit."