Sharon Sampson, 79

Sharon Ann Sampson, 79, long-time resident of Polson, peacefully passed away on Sept. 9, 2023, after a hard-fought battle with cancer.

Sharon was born on Oct. 17, 1943, to Durell (Pete) and Delsie Grigsby in Glendive, Mont. She spent her early years on the family farm 40 miles outside of Glendive. She was soon joined by her sister, Karen, and brother, Fred.

Sharon fondly recalled her childhood on the farm with her siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins who lived nearby. During her freshman year of high school, she moved into “town” to live with her grandpa, Graber, and then would return to the family farm on weekends.

Sharon married Ken Sampson in 1962. They lived for a short time in Baker, Mont., before returning to Glendive where their two sons, Mitch and Jay, were born.

In 1966 they settled in Polson and completed their family with the addition of their daughter, Marni, in 1969. Sharon and Ken later divorced.

Following her subsequent marriages to Doug White and Obie Tu, she enjoyed her final years living an independent and active life. Sharon remained in Polson until the time of her death.

Sharon had a few different jobs throughout her life. After high school she worked as a telephone operator for a couple of years before moving to Polson. She then worked for several years at Pacific Power and Light Company before transitioning to work for the State of Montana as an Eligibility Technician until her retirement. Probably the job she was most suited for though was when she was a cocktail waitress at the Elks Lodge.

Although Sharon lived the majority of her life in Western Montana, she truly loved Eastern Montana and looked forward to her many trips back to Glendive. She especially loved the time spent with her brother, Fred, and sister, Karen, and her many cousins.

Sharon loved to “people watch” and was the embodiment of a social butterfly. She rarely missed a community event and was always quick to volunteer. Sharon was fashionably on point, loved to watch live music, and was a friend to all.

Sharon is survived by her two sons, Mitch (Julie) and Jay; daughter, Marni; sister, Karen (Gordy), and brother, Fred; and six grandchildren, Riley, Erin, McKenna, Wit, Isabelle and Olivia. She is also survived by several cousins who were an immense comfort to her during her illness.’

Sharon’s family has a deep gratitude to those that cared for her, especially those that came into her home, which allowed her to remain there until the end of her life. She and her family saw first-hand how limited elder care can be, so in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Partners in Home Care in Missoula or the Lake County Agency on Aging.

There will be an informal gathering and celebration of her life at the Elks Lodge in Polson on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023, 5-9 p.m. Sharon was an Elks member, and the Elks officers will honor her in a Memorial Service at 6 p.m. Please join us in honoring her.

Messages of condolences may be shared with the family online at www.lakefuneralhomeandcremation.com.

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