Published on August 11, 2025 2:53 pm
Last Updated on August 11, 2025 2:55 pm
Mary Louise Sams, 95, of Effingham, IL, passed away peacefully on August 7, 2025, surrounded by her loving children and grandchildren.
Mary Lou was born on April 10, 1930, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Ira A. and Gertrude E. Wells. She grew up in Madison, Indiana, later graduating from Hanover High School, where she met her future husband, Harold Sams. On May 9, 1949, Mary Lou married Harold, and together they lovingly raised their four children—Leslie, Donna, Alan, and Dan. Over the years, the family resided in Madison, Indiana, and Arthur and Arcola, Illinois, and eventually settled in Effingham, Illinois. A devoted wife and mother, Mary Lou dedicated her life to her family, creating a warm and nurturing home. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Effingham, where she participated in the Hope Circle, and an active member of the U of I Extension Center. She also volunteered for many years as a hospital auxiliary worker, serving as president and dedicating her time and compassion to her community. Mary Lou found joy in sewing, playing the organ, reading, and spending time with friends and family. She will be remembered most for her engaging personality, warm smiles, heartfelt hugs, and unwavering devotion to her loved ones.
Her children survive her, Leslie Sams, Donna Kutcher, and Dan (Margie) Sams; her grandchildren, Christine (Patrick) Edwards, Bryan (Makenzie Lystrup) Hoff, Rachel (Josh) Tucker, Ben (Stephanie) Sams, Robby (Tiffany) Sams, Neil Sams (special friend Tesla Ford), Jake (Jenny) Kutcher, and Jayme (Ross) Martin; and her great-grandchildren, Sydney Edwards, Ian French, Garrett Wilson, Chase Martin, Maddie Martin, Keagan Martin, Kinsley Martin, Tenley Sams, Beckett Sams, Rory Sams, Jack Kutcher, Everlee Kutcher; and many other extended family and loved ones.
Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings, her son Alan, her daughter-in-law, Pam, and her loving husband of 63 years, Harold.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 14, 2025 at First Presbyterian Church Effingham, IL. Burial will follow at Arborcrest Memorial Park in Effingham. Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 14, 2025 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. prior to the service at the church. Services are in the care of Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham, IL.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church or the Effingham Animal Shelter.
Online condolences may be shared at www.johnsonandsonsfh.com.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the Villas of Hollybrook, Evergreen Nursing Home, and HSHS Hospice for their kindness and care for Mary Lou in her final years.