Evangeline Sams was born July 10, 1929 in a log cabin on Ranch Creek, the daughter of Allen and Hermine (Sott) Sams. She was the eldest of 31 Sott cousins. Her paternal grandmother, Mary Angeline Sams, was the midwife. Evangeline was named after Longfellow’s poem.
Evangeline and her sister walked two miles to the Bergerson School, except for one year when they went to Powells and Anna Powell was their schoolteacher. They grew up very close to their cousins Charles, Gerald, and Bertha Neprud, who also lived nearby, first on Ranch Creek and then Biddle.
Evangeline went to North Dakota in 1946 to stay with family and attend high school. She became godmother to her cousin Ted Sott. Evangeline completed high school in three years. She planned to continue college and work in the mission field. Her plans were changed by a serious illness. She returned to the family ranch and later attended Bible Schools in Cincinnati and Colorado Springs. In 1961, another illness brought her home. For the next 28 years, she lived at the ranch.
She was active in the Biddle Wesleyan Church. Although she never married or had children, she kept up with a large extended family through her greeting card ministry. She became proficient in scherenschnitte, the German art of paper cutting. She volunteered at the museum and the Manor. She loved photography, flowers, and helping with flowers at the fair. She was known for always having her facts straight at the museum; her proficiency at scripture; serving as a prayer warrior; and her beautiful handwriting and handwritten letters and notes, often tucked into a carefully selected greeting card.
She lived at the ranch until 1989, when she moved to the Biddle Trailer Park, where she lived until she and her mobile home moved to Broadus in 2008. She faithfully attended the Assembly of God Church.
She passed away on Sept. 23 in Miles City. She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant brother, Carl; her sister, Lily Mae Patten; and one nephew, Ben Patten. She is survived by niece Margaret (Bob) Scoles of Broadus; nephew Steve (Bonnie) Patten of Green River, WY; niece Dixie (Mike) Stark of Darby; nephew Carl (Kaylene) Patten of Lewistown; great nieces and nephews David Scoles and Emily Jesttes; Jonathan and Monica Jo Patten; and Kyle and Carson Patten. She will be missed by family and many special friends.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 26, 2013 from 1:00-6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Broadus. Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 27, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Broadus. Interment will follow in the Ranch Creek Cemetery near Biddle. Condolences may be made to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday September 26, 2013
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Broadus, Montana 59317
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday September 27, 2013
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Broadus, Montana 59317
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday September 26, 2013
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Broadus, Montana 59317
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday September 27, 2013
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Broadus, Montana 59317
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Carmen Knutson says
Tears are running down my cheeks– I am so very sorry for the loss of your Auntie. I thought the world of Evangeline. She was such a sweet and gentle woman, had a heart of gold and a beautiful smile. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Vanna Lancaster Byrd says
I’m so sorry to hear about Mrs. Sams. I never saw her without a smile on her sweet face and a spring in her step. May God Bless and comfort you.
Pam Nisley says
What a huge loss for our world, losing this fine lady! Oh but the rejoicing, as she is now free in the arms of Our Savior, and those of us left have a void that will not be easily filled.
Our prayers for all of her precious family – you likely knew better than any of us what a dear is was!
Ed and Bev Schaffer says
Thinking of all of you today. What a sweet, kind lady Evangeline was, with a heart of gold. She loved the Lord, and was a wonderful servant. I am very proud to have called Evangeline my friend…I. Will miss her.
Brenda Hopkins says
Margaret I am so sorry for the loss of your “Auntie”. She was such a kind, and gentle woman. She had the most beautiful smile and always was so happy. She will be missed by all that knew her. You and your family are in my thoughts.
J Johnson says
Dear family and friends of Evangeline Sams – I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. May God give you peace and comfort through his sure promises to end pain, mourning and death(Revelation 21:4). Almighty God also promises to fulfill our desires, not just our needs (Psalms 145:16). Cherish all the happy memories of Ms. Sams and please be comforted by Bible promises (John 17:3).
Sandra Steinert Harris and Grace Peterson says
Sorry to hear about Evangeline. She was a “country cousin” of mine and I last saw her at a Sams reunion. My mom (Grace) has fond memories of her also. Hoping your memories of her will comfort you.
Cindy Cathey Rock says
Evangeline was a very special woman. She and her sister, Lily, were childhood playmates of my Mother, Velma Smith Cathey, and her sister, Vera. Many wonderful memories of days gone by were shared by them. Although she wanted to do missionary work, but stayed close to home instead, I like to think that her mission was the gentle folk of her community. Her gift was her shy smile, warm handshake, handmade crafts, tips from gardening to care of stray kitties. What an immeasurable loss to the community. We take comfort in knowing she is now home with her Lord and Savior and all who are waiting for her. Sending deepest condolences to her family, especially her nieces and nephews, who meant the world to her.