Shirley Sams

With deepest sadness, we announce that Shirley Anne Sams passed away on July 1, 2026, at the age of 84, with her family by her side.

Shirley was born in Oxford, England, on June 10, 1942, to her loving parents, Lindsey Patrick and Elsie Doris Dymock. She was one of four daughters: Shirley and Susan (twins), Judy, and Wendy.

The family moved from England to Canada when her father accepted a position with RCA and later transferred to Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Shirley joined the United States Air Force, where she met the late Lewis Clifton “Cliff” Sams Jr. during orientation. Cliff fell in love with Shirley at first sight.

They were married on April 29, 1960. Cliff’s career in the Air Force allowed them to travel the world. Together, they lived in Washington, D.C.; Turkey; California; Virginia; Colorado; Germany; and Florida.

Shirley loved raising her four children and enjoyed traveling with her family. After the children were grown, she and Cliff looked forward to taking trips to Mexico with friends. She was a talented seamstress who enjoyed making clothes for her children and was always willing to hem a pair of pants or replace a zipper in a sleeping bag.

Knitting was Shirley’s true passion. She had hundreds of patterns committed to memory and knitted countless baby sweaters, hats, and blankets. She could knit effortlessly while carrying on a conversation. Shirley was generous with her time, always willing to help others, and found great joy in creating handmade gifts for family and friends.

Shirley is lovingly remembered by her four children: Janet Nold (Scott), Elaine Kartes (Duane), Vickie Scheuermann (Randy), and Chris Sams (Alexis); her grandchildren, Jimmie Nold (Andrea), Heather Nold, Lyndsey Nold, Amber Mutch (Brandon), Ashley Goodhue (John), Jason Kartes, Josh Scheuermann (fiancée Cassie Heflin), Matthew Scheuermann (Beth), and Payton Sams; her great-grandchildren, Brandon Mutch Jr., Beckett Mutch, Brooks Mutch, Maverick Scheuermann, Lydia Scheuermann and her great-great-granddaughter, Presley Mutch. She is also survived by her sisters Judy (Charlie) and Wendy Long (Radar), as well as nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at Fort Logan at a later date, where Shirley will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Cliff.