Born in Milford, Illinois, Sumner attended the public schools.

She graduated from Girton School, Winnetka, Illinois, in 1916 and Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts, in 1920.

Sumner was admitted to the bar in 1923 and practiced in Chicago, Illinois.

She served as director of Sumner National Bank, Sheldon, Illinois.

This article incorporates public domain material from the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress