Mary Elizabeth Sampsel, 89, of Centre Hall, went home to be with her Lord on Sunday, September 27, 2009 at Susque-View Home in Lock Haven.
She was born March 29, 1920 in Walker Twp. Centre County, a daughter of the late Charles and Sancta Showers Gates.
On June 28, 1938 she married Harold A. Sampsel who preceded her in death on July 16, 1979.
Mary graduated from Walker Township High School in 1938. She and her husband farmed for many years. Later in life she worked in the housing division at Penn State University, retiring in April of 1982, after seven years of service.
Mrs. Sampsel was a member of St. Luke Lutheran Church in Centre Hall, the Centre Hall Garden Club and a member of the Nittany Button Club of State College. She especially enjoyed collecting buttons. A true people person, she was a gracious host, and a great cook who never turned anyone away from her home. Whether it was just on the back roads of Penns Valley, or across the country, she loved to travel.
She is survived by three daughters, Norma J. McKenney of Lock Haven, Edith B. Sodergren and her husband Richard of Bellefonte, and Helen L. Frazier and her husband Jeff of Centre Hall; four sons, Miles D. Sampsel and his wife Joyce of Erie, H. Paul Sampsell and his wife Carol of Centre Hall, David A. Sampsel of Spring Mills, and Scott T. Sampsel and his wife Mary of Bellefonte; two step daughters, Gladys Sampsel of Centre Hall and Marjorie Lowery and her husband John of Bellefonte, and one step son Philip Sampsel and his wife Marjorie of Milesburg; four sisters, Virginia Walker of Howard, Blanche Dullen of Beech Creek, Donna Rae White of Howard and Janet Parsons of Pasco, Washington; sixteen grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, and sixteen step grandchiildren. Also surviving are many step great and great great grandchildren.
Two step sons preceded her in death, William and James Sampsel.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a. m. Saturday, October 3, 2009, at St. Luke Lutheran Church, 301 N. Pennsylvania Ave. Centre Hall, PA, with the Reverend Scott A. Klimke officiating. Friends will be received immediately following the services in the fellowship hall of the church. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family in Zion Cemetery, Zion, PA. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the building fund at St. Luke Lutheran Church, P. O. Box 331, Centre Hall, PA 16828
A guest book can be signed or condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com.