Obituary for Betty Lou Samsel

Betty Lou Samsel

Betty Lou Samsel, 82, of Polson, passed away on March 18 at St. Joseph Hospital, of natural causes. She was born on Nov. 18, 1932 in St. Ignatius to Lawrence and Edith Decker.

She attended school in St. Ignatius and was Salutatorian of her Class of 1950. Betty was married 63 years to the love of her life, Hal Samsel. After Hal’s military service in the Marines, they returned to Missoula where they raised their two children, Steve and Sheryl. 

After Hal retired from the Smokejumpers, they lived in their home on Flathead Lake, while also wintering in Yuma, Ariz. Betty enjoyed her family and special gatherings at the lake, along with poetry, tending flowers, and bird watching.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Lyle Decker. 

Survivors include her husband, Hal, Polson; her son Steve (Shelley) Polson; her daughter Sheryl (Randy) Symon, Thompson Falls; her grandchildren Ben Symon, Sara McDonald, Tonnes Olson, Andy Samsel, and Kristine Torgenrud and 12 great grandchildren; her brother Dale Decker; and sisters Donna Marks and Ranae Decker.

A celebration of Betty’s life will be held later in the year. Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice. Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at www.thelakefuneralhomeandcrematory.com. 

Arrangements are under the direction of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.