Paulette Ann Sampson had her deepest desire come to pass on Saturday, August 16, 2025, when she peacefully left this world, with her devoted husband by her side, to go home.

She was born on December 27, 1942, the third of eight children, in Negaunee, Michigan, to Paul and Helen Smith, of whom she has two surviving brothers, Paul (Barb) Smith and Donald (Sharon) Smith. She was preceded in death by her parents and sisters, Patsy, Judy, Carol, Susie, and one brother, Richard. She was a spunky, carefree person from day one, and she proudly told many that she was the smallest baby born at one and a half pounds to survive at that time, an early indication of her slightly stubborn streak.

She married Robert Sampson on August 1, 1964, when previously engaged at the time, made a definitive decision, after she met Bob on a dance floor, to marry THIS MAN. And 61 years later, still the best decision of her life, as she said just a few days ago, "Bob has treated me like royalty! And THAT HE HAS!!

Together, they had four children: Robin (Todd) Winkler, Todd (Julie) Sampson, Jody (Bob) Maher, and Mark (Catherine) Sampson. As proud and delighted as she was of her children, her grandchildren were the heartbeat of her life. THEY COULD DO NO WRONG! From day one, she became their best friend and advocate throughout her life. Grandma always had a listening ear, a deeply caring heart, and prayed diligently daily for her loved ones. Rachel (Joel) Lalgee (with great-grandchildren Evie, Finn, and Eli), Caleb (Kelsey) Winkler (with great-grandchildren Jack, Kate, and Luke), Joshua, Emily, and Jacob Sampson, Sydney and Spencer Maher, Mikhayla, Logan, Janea, and Elijah Sampson will forever cherish the memories of Grandma. As Rachel, at 8 years old, wrote on a stationary note to her…" Dear gramma, I love you when I look in your eyes, I miss you even when you are home". So TRUE! And as she told Caleb before she passed, "We've had so many good times together, haven't we?" Her last precious memories are of her 2 granddaughters, Mikhayla and Janea, caring for her till the end.

My mom gave our family a legacy that is not completely measured by an earthly inheritance, the wealth of her love. She also gave us the most valuable eternal gift, the gift of life through Jesus. She was the first one in the family and ultimately led and encouraged many others to a new faith or a deeper faith in Jesus as our Lord and Savior. She modeled Christ-like qualities…generosity, joy, family, and sacrificial love. What she did was important, who she was is memorable…faithful and extremely loyal and fierce in her love and commitment to Jesus, family, and friends.

An honoring of her life service will be held on Sunday, August 24, at Cornerstone Church in Ramse,y Michigan, with visitation starting at 1:30 and the funeral at 2 pm.

In lieu of flowers we are asking if people would prefer giving a donation to the Mission Bible Training Center (a place very close to her heart) in Gaastra Michigan. Mission Bible Training Center, P.O. Box 248,Gaastra, Michigan 49927. Or PayPal donations at truevine@uplogon.com