Theresa Sampson

Theresa A. Sampson February 25, 1936 – October 17, 2023 Theresa A. Sampson died in White Swan on her family land, Tuesday evening, October 17, 2023. Our family’s Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother is free and joyful as defined by her faith. Theresa was born on February 25, 1936 in White Swan, Washington to Grace (Wheeler) and Phillip Ambrose. She was raised in White Swan, Washington where she was a lifelong resident with her husband Joe M. Sampson, Sr. Our parents met early in life as children and carried their love through their marriage of over 64 years. They are an example of family devotion and commitment to community. Theresa attended White Swan High School and shared the spirit she possessed as a WS Cougar cheerleader. A spirit she continued to carry through her life, always supportive. She was active in her traditional practices as well. She supported her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren in expressing their culture. In 1955, she was Miss Yakama Nation for the Centennial Celebration of the Yakama Nation Treaty. She attended various community events and toured several reservations in that role. Mom raised her family and supported her husband in his community leadership duties and roles. Later in their life together they shared extended active participation in the Yakama Nation All Indian Invitational Basketball Tourney (iconically referred to as The Big Tourney), Yakama Nation Housing Authority, and the White Swan Community Coalition. Mom was also active with St. Mary’s Church in White Swan, and as a Cougar Booster. Her career choice to serve the Yakama Nation community as a Social Worker for the Bureau of Indian Affairs spanned a 34 year career. She continually sought ways to assist a person to improve their situation. Mom had favorite things to do including camping in the mountains to pick huckleberries. In the Spring and Summer she would enjoy gardening the most especially tending to her flowers. Traveling together with her love was another joy of hers. She took great pleasure in traveling in their motorhome to Portland, Seattle, or heading to the hills. She really liked being the co-captain or navigator seeing new places or visiting favorite sites. Many miles were logged as the biggest fans of their beloved Cougars and traveling to support family in their sporting events and activities. Theresa was preceded in death by her parents: Phillip and Grace Ambrose; her husband - Joe Sampson, Sr.; her daughter - Wenona Wallahee and her sister – Lila Ambrose. She is survived by her brother - Phillip Ambrose II (Corky) Theresa is survived by her children: Joe M. Sampson, Jr., Jon M. Sampson (Angelina), Jay M. Sampson (Darlene), Janine M. Sammaripa (Lonnie), Marcos Mendoza (Odulia), and their grandchildren (14) and great grandchildren (21). Thank you to those who have provided care for our Mother/Grandmother/Great Grandmother in the past few years: Theresa Wallahee, Janine Sammaripa (Lonnie), Jon Sampson (Angie), Yakama Indian Health Center, and Willow Springs. Thank you to all family members, relatives, and friends for your thoughts and prayers. Mom would ask that each person continue with a joyful life as life is a gift given daily. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Theresa Sampson, please visit our flower store.