Ozelle Geraldine Knudson Samples was born January 29, 1923 in Cove Springs near Meridian, TX, to Molden Gordon Knudson and Mattie Carlson Knudson. She was baptized March 25, 1923 at St. Olaf Lutheran Church near Cranfills Gap, TX. By the Rev. J.A. Urnes and confirmed October 3, 1937 at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Cranfills Gap by the Rev. B.R. Maakestad. She Graduated from Cranfills Gap High School in 1940.
When World War II began, she was one of many American Women who worked in the defense industries. She worked at North American Defense Plant in Dallas until the end of the war.
After the war, she attended beauty school and was employed by Marie Earl Cosmetics Company, which was located in the Sanger Brothers Department Store in Dallas, TX. She later attended an executive school to become a buyer for Sanger Brothers.
On April 12, 1947, she married O.M. “Pat” Samples. She continued to work until 1954 when she retired to become a stay at home mom. She had three sons, Mark, Terry and Garry.
She was a member of Central Luther Church and enjoyed living in close proximity to the church, which was adjacent to her backyard. Sunday School was held in her den for several years while the congregation was growing and building. She was active in teaching Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and also attending the Adult Bible Class. She was a member of the Women’s Organization of Central Lutheran Church, and participated in the monthly Bible Study.
In the 1973 she was employed by Avon Cosmetics as a salesperson. She was named a member of the Presidents’ Club every year. She continued selling Avon for her living until she retired in 2013.
Ozelle is preceded in death by Her Husband, who passed in 1984, stepdaughter Laverne Ward, daughter in law Jewell Samples, Grandchild David Samples, and Brother Cleo Gordon Knudson. She is survived by her loving children: Mark Samples of Rowlett, Terry Samples and Wife Linda of Cranfills Gap, Garry Samples and Wife Wanda of Rowlett, and Darlene Samples Hood and Husband Malcom of Mesquite, Grandchildren: Holly Samples Schuler, Michael Samples, Jason Self, and Jonathan Self, and sister Muriel Mae Knudson Johnson of Sherman. Ozelle will be missed by many loving relatives and friends.
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