Patricia P. Sample

Patricia P. Sample, 93, of Rockford, passed away Saturday, October 7, 2017. She was born December 23, 1923 to O.B. and Nellie (Walton) Pownall. She married Rev. Darrell D. Sample on April 14, 1945 and they were blessed to share 67 beautiful years together. Patricia enjoyed being a pastor’s wife and was a gracious hostess in her home to many visitors and church groups. In addition to all of her church activities, she was a Cub Scout leader, active in P.T.A., delivered Meals on Wheels, a member of P.E.O., chapter NJ, and a past member of Delta Kappa Gamma and Retired Teachers Association. Patricia loved flowers and while living in Joliet, IL, she was a part-owner and designer in a florist shop. She enjoyed giving programs, reading, sewing, music, and theater.
During WWII, when just out of high school, Patricia was given an Emergency Teaching Certificate due to a shortage of teachers. She taught all grades in a one-room school along with responsibilities of stoking the fire, sweeping, dusting, and carrying in a fresh pail of water each day. After raising her children and caring for the household, she went back to school and earned a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Speech and English from Northwestern University. Patricia taught English at Auburn High School in Rockford and Joliet West High School in Joliet, IL.
Patricia dearly loved her family and felt so blessed to have lived to see all her grandchildren grow up, choose careers, and establish homes of their own. In recent years, her great grandchildren were the joy of her life.
Patricia was preceded in death by her husband; parents; brothers, James W. Pownall and Walton Pownall; sisters, Charline Pownall and Valeria Elam; nephew, Jon Darnell. She is survived by her son, Allen Sample and daughter, Karen (Tom) Hill; grandchildren, Dane (Mallory) Sample, Devan (Chadd) Pfeiffer, Darci (Trevor) Thompson, John Hill, Drew (Cindy) Hill, Kara (Eric) McMahon, Kalli Hill; great grandchildren, Reed Sample, Claire Sample, Liam Pfeiffer, Samuel Pfeiffer, Noelle Thompson, Norah Hill, Jonathan Hill, Ellie Hill, Bryn McMahon, Knox McMahon, Kane McMahon; sisters, Jane Markarian, Jo (Jack) Elam, Kay (Ralph) Guy; sister-in-law, Ruth Pownall; nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The visitation will be at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 14, 2017, with a memorial service following at 11:00 a.m. at Riverside Community Church, 6816 N. 2nd St., Machesney Park, IL, 61115, with Pastor Bobby Sheets officiating. An inurnment service will be Saturday, October 21, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Union Chapel Cemetery in Girard, Illinois, with Rev. Allen Sample officiating.
Memorials may be made to Riverside Community Church, 6816 N. 2nd St., Machesney Park, IL, 61115; Easton United Methodist Church, 108 E. Main St., Easton, IL 62633; or Good Samaritan Fund for Wesley Willows, 4141 N. Rockton Ave., Rockford, IL 61103.