Wilma Sams
February 10, 2013
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Service Details
Wilma Marie Young Sams was born July 7, 1923, and passed into God’s hands on February 10, 2013.
Wilma was born in rural Warren County, Iowa, to Allen A Young and Mary Minnie Dunn Young. She married Ival William Sams during World War II. The first four years of her married life were spent following her husband where the Army took them, an accepted way of life during World War II. That was where she developed her love of travel. She laughed and said she spent the first four years of their marriage living out of a single suitcase.
Upon his discharge from the Army in 1946, they moved to Des Moines, Iowa. After her husband’s death she moved to Urbandale, Iowa in 1995, where she resided until her death.
She was a member at Gatchel United Methodist Church for fifty years, where she was active in United Methodist Women. After Gatchel closed, she attended Aldersgate United Methodist Church. She had also been a Food Pantry volunteer since 1985 upon her retirement from Broadlawns Hospital.
Wilma was a very active person. She believed that exercise and healthy eating was the key to a long life. Her walks and stretching exercises were a part of the daily routine.
Her spare time was spent quilting and crocheting. She made quilts for her children, grandchildren and baby quilts for all of her great grandchildren. In addition she was part of a group that crocheted caps for newborns. She also had a love of reading.
Two children survive her, Sheryl Empey of Johnston and Bob (Kathy) Sams of Urbandale. Also her grandchildren and great grandchildren, Jeff (Janna) Colvin, Jared and Jordan; Greg (Dawn), Madison; Garry Empey Jr, Dianna, Alexandra, Isabella and Jackson; Stephanie (Rhett) Routh, Austin, Jacob and Benjamin; Paul Sams (Stacy), Luke and Dylan; Brad (Megan), Madelyn; Tim (Chris), Samantha, Cooper and Avery. Also brother Verle (Sharon) Young and sister Freda (Paul) Wright.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Ival, sister Almeda Culbertson, and great-granddaughters Sara and Susan Colvin and Paige Elizabeth Sams.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, February 14, 2013, at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will take place at 2 p.m. Thursday, at I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Indianola.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Food Pantry of Iowa or Aldersgate United Methodist Church.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Tom, Jackie Moberg & family
02/16/2013
Bob, Kathy and family,
So sorry to hear of your loss!
What a wonderful Lady and a great role model for other women, young and old! She always had a smile on her face!
Our thought and sympathy go out to you all!
mary kay dial
02/15/2013
Thoughts and prayers to the family. I knew Wilma for a short time, appreciate her friendliness and hospitality. Wilma had a way in making you feel special.
Gloria Anderson
02/13/2013
Wilma was a delight. She always had a smile for everyone.
I enjoyed visiting with her at our United Methodist Women unit meetings at Aldersgate United Methodist Church. You must have many wonderful memories. God Bless
Trula Telfer
02/13/2013
I first met Wilma only a few months ago when I started attending Aldersgate Church. She was cordial and gracious to me, a new-comer, and I surely appreciated meeting her and getting acquainted. I missed her Sunday and she surely will be missed by all at Aldersgate. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. God be with all.
Mary Mitchum
02/13/2013
Wilma lived acrossed the hall from me when I lived on Alpine Street. We kept in touch over the years. She was the nicest and sweetest person that I have ever known. I could talk to her about anything and get some very good advice. She will be very much missed by me and her family.
Myron Sams
02/13/2013
I always enjoyed seeing and talking with Wilma at the Sams family reunions in August. She was a sweet lady and always had kind words for my father, Dean, and I. We will miss her. My sympathy to the family.
Jill, Nicole & Danielle
02/13/2013
Sheryl, Greg, Dawn & Madison
Our caring thoughts are with you and your families.
"when someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure"
Grandma Sams was such a treasure...love jnd
Rita Carter
02/12/2013
Wilma was one of those people whom I expected to be around forever. That makes it so hard to believe that she is gone from this earth. What a special person! She was such a Christian example to us and so many others! Wilma and Ival also were special friends who supported our family in so many ways that we will never forget while we were at Gatchel. I extend my sympathies and join in the celebration of Wilma's life.
Sister Sandra Rodemyer
02/12/2013
I was so sorry to read of Wilma's death in this morning's Register. I first met Wilma in February of 1995 when I became the Food Pantry Director for the DMARC Food Pantry. She was always such a joyful and generous volunteer! I am just sorry that my commitment at the women's prison prevents me from being able to attend her funeral. But, knowing Wilma, she would understand.
Vicki Miller Offermann
02/12/2013
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Wilma was such a joy to get to know.and I loved chatting with her when I would see her out, over at my parents condo. I spoke to her recently and am shocked and sad to hear of her passing. My Parents send their condolences as well. Fred and Jean will miss her dearly. I will never forget when my folks moved in and met her. My dad introduced himself as Fred and she replied Wilma and dad said "yabba dabba do" They were laughing so hard!!! I will miss sharing my lasagna with her. She always said I made the best, but know I don't and she was just that kind! God Speed. I will miss you! <3
Terri Kane
02/12/2013
Bob and Kathy and family,
I remember your sweet mother Bob. Our thoughts and sympathy to you.