Rosemary "Rosie" Irene Sams

Rosemary “Rosie” Sams, age 96, of Yreka, California, peacefully went to be with her Lord on October 12, 2016, in Ashland, Oregon, with family at her side. Rosie was born on May 29, 1920, in Escondido, California to Verner and Ethel Dryden. She attended schools in Deputy, Indiana and Escondido, California. Rosie met Ed Sams in May of 1939, and they were married on April 7, 1940 in Yuma, Arizona. They were married for 69 years. Rosie and Ed were charter members of Emmanuel Faith Community Church in Escondido, California, with Rosemary being one of, if not the last, surviving charter member. She and her husband served the Lord wherever they traveled and lived. Due to Ed’s career she lived in Hollywood, Escondido, Livingston, Merced, Edward’s Air Force Base, Warner Springs, and Yreka all in California, as well as Anchorage, Alaska. She became involved in the churches they attended and made many, many friends. Rosie’s life passions were her Lord, her husband, her family, and service to others. She enjoyed cooking, fishing, gardening, and playing table games with anyone who was willing to compete against her. She lived a life of choices; knowing she made the right ones, and had a fulfilling life. She chose to become a stay at home mom, and felt the time spent on family was not a sacrifice. Rosie believed the family to be the foundation of our society. She became a wife and a mother, taking care of her ailing parents and brother, her husband and six children, as well as their families, where she found joy up until her final days. She was not paid monetarily, but paid with the love, respect, and admiration of those whose lives she touched. One notable service to others was working with Eskimo children in the Burn Unit in an Anchorage, Alaska hospital. As a little girl, Rosie’s wish was to become a nurse missionary. In the end, her wish was granted. She became a missionary to the nurses while in the hospital after surgery and while in rehabilitation. As a result of Rosie’s generous spirit and pleasant personality, she was loved by many. Her Christian life was as beautiful as the flowers she loved, and her influence will remain in the lives of those who knew her. Her beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of her children: her son Michael Sams, and his companion Connie McLeod of Escondido, California; daughter Donna Tamayo of Encino, California; son and daughter-in-law Doug and Dee Sams of Madera, California; son and daughter-in-law David and Tomi Sams of San Ramon, California; and son Gary Sams and his fiancée, Jean Trevisan of Yreka, California. Rosie also leaves 20 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, and 7 great, great grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews, and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Verner and Ethel Dryden; brothers, Charles and Robert Dryden; husband, Ed Sams; son, Lauren Sams; grandchildren, Debbie and Mark. Rosie leaves a legacy of unconditional love for her Lord, family, and friends. The family is left with so much to cherish: memories, unique personality traits and strengths, wisdom, and an example that will inspire them to offer nurturing love and support to those who remain in their lives. Celebrations of Life are pending in Yreka, California and in the Southern California area. In lieu of flowers, the Sams family requests that any donations be made to the Madrone Hospice, 255 Collier Cir. Yreka, California 96097.

Rosemary "Rosie" Irene Sams

May 29, 1920 - October 12, 2016