Janis S Sample

Janis Sue Sample, age 85, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2026, in Tyler, Texas. She was born on April 12, 1941, in McPherson, Kansas, to Carl Eugene and Leona Fern Gustafson.Janis was raised in McPherson and went on to attend Kansas State Teachers College, preparing her for a lifelong career dedicated to education. In 1964, she married the love of her life, Harry Lynn Sample. Together, they shared many beautiful years and raised two children.Janis poured her heart into her work as an elementary school teacher for the Napa Valley Unified School District, where she shaped the minds of young students for more than 30 years before retiring.She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Harry Lynn Sample.Janis leaves behind a rich legacy of family. She is survived by her daughter, Janis Lyn "Cricket" Koch and husband Bill; her son, Travis Bernarr Sample and wife Romona; her grandson, Jordan Harris and wife Alissa, along with their children (her great-grandchildren) Eleanor and Jude; her grandson, Chase Sample; her grandson, Ryan Koch and wife Sara; her granddaughter, Hannah Sample; and her granddaughter, Rebekah Nelson and husband Evan.A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held on Friday, August 21, 2026, at 2:00 PM at The Blake in Tyler, Texas.