Wilma June Sams

She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 71 years, Ralph “June” O. Sams II. Their marriage is an enduring legacy of love and commitment.

Wilma and Ralph met in 1953 at Bonnet’s Dry Cleaning where they worked together. She also worked at Smith’s Packing House before they started their family together and she became a homemaker.

Wilma was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend who touched the lives of all who knew her. She cherished her 3 children, 7 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren beyond measure, convincing them always with a twinkle in her eye that each was her “favorite”. Through unforgettable card games and countless loaves of highly sought after homemade rolls (especially the prized ‘middle bun’), Wilma created a family united by treasured memories of time spent together. Her generous spirit shone through in the years she volunteered running the cookshack at Pioneer City Riding Club in Marietta, Ohio with her sister-in-law, Wanda Dille, as well as the many pans of rolls and bread she baked with her sister-in-law, Doris Pratt, to help raise money to send kids to camp with Cedar Grove Mountaineers 4-H Club. She once won a blue ribbon at the Belleville Homecoming for her bread. Wilma loved baking, but even more, she loved feeding everyone. Her kind, compassionate spirit will forever live in the hearts of those who knew her and is a testament to the joy, wisdom, humor and boundless devotion to family that fueled Wilma’s passion for spreading love throughout life’s journey.

She is also survived by her brother, Creed Hicks of Belpre, OH; her very special sisters-in law, Lorna Wright of Belleville and Wanda Dille of Mineral Wells, WV; children, Diane (John) Romine of Parkersburg, WV, Ralph (Krista) Sams of Albany, OH, Raymond Sams of Belleville, WV; grandchildren, Stacy (Emory) Shephard of Lancaster, OH, Ralph (Allison) Sams IV of Amanda, OH, Robert (Leanne) Sams of Jackson, OH, Amanda (Nick) Kress of Havelock, NC, Michele Sams of Albany, OH, Erica (Justin) Swart of Albany, OH, Maggie Reutzel of Albany, OH; great-grandchildren, Ashley (Chris) Norris, Teagan Hughes, Braden (Harley) Shephard, Rylan Sams, Keaton Shephard, Emily Shephard, Daelyn Sams, Michael Kress, Gabe Schnider, Cameron Swart, Evan Swart, Brennen Swart, Ralph Sams V, Nora Swart; great-great grandchildren Averley Norris, Alayna Norris, Ezeriah Shephard, and Isaiah Shephard. Wilma also had many special nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents Minnie and Harley Hicks and siblings Bonnie Lucas, Donnie Arthur, Joy Marquis, Eileen Echols, Rosie Wolfe, and Delbert Hicks as well as her cherished daughter-in-law of 42 years, Susan L. Sams.

The family would like to thank Dr. Michael Moses and Housecalls Hospice for the exceptionally considerate end-of-life care they provided for Wilma.

Funeral services will be 1 P.M. Tuesday January 21, 2025 at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home with Rev. Rufus Hoalcraft officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memory Gardens. Visitation will be 4 P.M. to 7 P.M. Monday January 20, 2025 and one hour prior to the service on Tuesday from 12 P.M. to 1 P.M. at the funeral home.

An online guestbook for condolences is available at www.sunsetparkersburg.com

Sunset Memorial Funeral Home is honored to assist the Sams family.