Sharon Joyce Sampson

Sharon Joyce Sampson, 58, of Toppenish passed away surrounded by her loving family on July 22, 2014. Sharon was born in Toppenish on February 28, 1956 to Josephine Smartlowit and Joseph Sohappy-Smiskin. She was a proud member of the Yakama Nation.

Sharon as a child played basketball, attended Wapato High School, and enjoyed fishing with her family. Sharon’s best friend was Patty Sampson and Sharon was married, in the Wapato Longhouse, to George Sampson. Sharon was a lifelong member of the local long houses, she loved gathering traditional food, root digging, and picking huckleberries. She was also known for her beautiful beadwork. Sharon also loved to play pool, go to the casinos, and spending time in the mountains. Sharon’s favorite time, however, was spent with her grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband, George Sampson Sr.; her sons, George Sampson Jr. and

David Sampson; her daughters, Mabel Gamboa, Josephine Abrahamson, and Desiree Abrahamson; brother, William Smiskin; and her grandchildren, Robbie Dave, Shawna Sampson, Charlie Sampson, Dominque Sampson, Shalana Sampson, Alyssa Sampson, George Sampson Jr., Michael Gamboa, Tatiana Gamboa, Johnathon Gamboa, and King Gamboa.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, Josephine Smartlowit Joseph Sohappy-Smiskin; Cecelia Buffalo; Estes Smartlowit; Michael Smiskin; and Ted Smiskin.

A Dressing Service will be held today, Wednesday, July 23, 2014 at 1 p.m. at Merritt Funeral Home in Wapato with Overnight Service to follow at the Toppenish Longhouse in Toppenish. Burial will be at 6 a.m. on Thursday, July 24, 2014 at Yesmowit Cemetery in White Swan. Merritt Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.

Arrangements under the direction of Merritt Funeral Home, Wapato, WA.