Marilyn Sams age 85 of Hiawatha, Iowa, formerly of Redwood Falls, passed away Tuesday, May 20, 2014 in Hiawatha, Iowa after a courageous battle with heart disease and leukemia. Memorial services will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, May 29 at the First United Methodist Church in Redwood Falls. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church. Burial is in Ft. Snelling National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that guests consider memorials to Mercy Foundation, 710 10th Street SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52403, or First United Methodist Church, music ministries fund, 601 Veda Drive, Redwood Falls MN 56283. Online condolences may be sent at www.stephensfuneralservice.com. Stephens Funeral Service – Redwood Valley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Marilyn Sams was born December 16, 1928 in Sioux City, Iowa to John Thomas and Anna Almena (Ellison) Goldsmith, the youngest of six children. She was baptized and confirmed at Wesley Methodist Church in Leeds, Iowa. Marilyn attended Hawthorne School and Leeds High School, graduating on January 22, 1947. On June 7, 1947 she married Leland Harold Sams in Leeds. They were married for 44 years. Marilyn lived in Redwood Falls for 60 years. She was a member of Eastern Star and First United Methodist Church. Marilyn was active in church and musical ministry singing in church choirs most of her life. She sang from the time she was 5 years old until 5 days before her death. Marilyn enjoyed the outdoors with her husband and four boys, gardening (vegetable and rose garden), and bird watching. She loved crocheting, cooking and baking, making crafts for all seasons, and reading. The most important role in Marilyn’s life was being a wife and mother.
Marilyn is survived by her sons: Steve (Andrea), Reverend David, Keith (Jan), and Brian (Darla); grandchildren: Erik Sams, Melissa Sams, Shawn Sams, Jill Hayden, and Cody Sams; great grandchildren: Sami, Hunter, Adriana, Drake, Ava, and Jase; and sister Anna Bernice. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers Lloyd Thomas and John Eldon, sisters Luella Janet and Joyce Elaine, and granddaughter Hilary.
We want to send our sincerest condolences to all you boys & your families @ the loss of your mother & grandmother. Love, hugs & prayers for all! She, your dad & all of you have always been VERY special to me!
When I was a child I spent a lot of time with your family & have WONDERFUL memories of those times. Growing up with our special circumstances I often wished I was part of this family. When I grew up I always enjoyed the times when you would come visit me & when Rich & I would go visit your mom & dad/mom & get to see some of you! She & they always made us feel very special! My children even have fond memories of their Great Aunt Molly! She was a VERY special lady & even though I have not gotten to spend time with her in more recent years, I will miss her.
I am VERY happy for her though to go the the glories of heaven, be whole again & especially to be reunited with your dad! You all had her for MANY years & made amazing memories with her & your dad & not even death can take those from you! Love Carla & Rich
We want to send our sincerest condolences to all you boys & your families @ the loss of your mother & grandmother. Love, hugs & prayers for all! She, your dad & all of you have always been VERY special to me!
When I was a child I spent a lot of time with your family & have WONDERFUL memories of those times. Growing up with our special circumstances I often wished I was part of this family. When I grew up I always enjoyed the times when you would come visit me & when Rich & I would go visit your mom & dad/mom & get to see some of you! She & they always made us feel very special! My children even have fond memories of their Great Aunt Molly! She was a VERY special lady & even though I have not gotten to spend time with her in more recent years, I will miss her.
I am VERY happy for her though to go the the glories of heaven, be whole again & especially to be reunited with your dad! You all had her for MANY years & made amazing memories with her & your dad & not even death can take those from you! Love, Carla & Rich
Sorry Brian and David for the loss of your mother. At any age, it is difficult to lose a parent. May you find strength in the memories and comforted in knowing she is with the Lord!
Our most sincere condolences to all the Sams family for the passing of your Mom and grandmother from this world to a perfect world with Jesus. May the lord comfort you in your loss.
I have many fond memories of Aunt Molly. She and Uncle Sammy were really good to me while I was growing up. She always took the time to find out how you were and what you had been doing and always had praise or good advice to give you. At Christmas time when I hear someone sing “O Holy Night” I think of her and that she sang it better. In Heaven I am sure she will sing with the Angles Chior.
Keith and Family, I am so sorry to learn of your loss. Please know that I am thinking of you and wishing your family peace and comfort at this difficult time.
My chilhood memories include so many great times with your family fishing, cooking, laughing in Minnesota. I always thought Aunt Molly was the “most fun” and loved that she could do just about anything. She and your dad taught me to eat several things like kidney beans that I did not think I liked!
Our thoughts and prayers will be with you all this week and the coming days.
Much love,
Linda and Elwyn Raymer
Keith ~
Thank you for sharing your Mom with our family. Although many knew her as Doris or Molly, we always have know her as Marilyn. She was a kind, thoughtful, considerate lady. So proud of her “boys” and all her grandkids. And treated her daughters-in-law like her “daughters”. So proud of you and Jan offering your home and hearts to her the last nine months of her life. What special memories you have to reflect in the weeks and months ahead. So blessed to call you my brother-in-law, ~ she’d want you to rest, relax and enjoy life!
Love you
Jody & Neil
Brian,
Sincerest condolences on the loss of your Mom. Prayers to you and your family.
Netty
Our hearts go out to all of the Sams families at this difficult time. I feel very fortunate to have had such a wonderful aunt and to have shared such great times in Redwood Falls with all of you. May you have peace & comfort in knowing that God will welcome her into His home just as she always welcomed us into hers.
John & Gloria Bobier
Steve, David, Keith and Brian,
So sorry to hear of the passing of your mom. She was a great lady and I will always remember our trips to Redwood Falls to visit you guys and Aunt Molly and Uncle Lee… and, of course, the hundreds of bullheads!
The fond memories of her will live on and be treasured by many.
Scott
My sympathies to Brian and Darla. I am sorry for your loss but know that your mom is no longer suffering. Share your memories with each other.