Shirley Ann Sample

San Juan- Shirley Sample, 82, passed away at her home on Saturday, March 25th, 2023. 

Shirley was born on January 8th, 1942, in San Diego, California, to John Wellington and Charlotte (Tucker) Thompson. 

Shirley was shopping at Safeway on April 1st, 1960, when she met employee William (Bill) Sample. It was love at first sight. Shirley and Bill were married that same year, on August 5th. Bill served in the US Army and was called to Germany, where he and Shirley spent their first few years of marriage and welcomed their first daughter, Teresa "Terry." 

After Bill was honorably discharged, Bill and Shirley moved to Denver, Colorado, where they had their second daughter, Wendy. Bill returned to his job at Safeway, and Shirley worked as an office manager for a local doctor's office. The family moved to Wyoming when Bill was offered a position as Asst—manager for Albertsons Grocery Store. Shirley continued working in administration, managing a doctor's office. 

After working in retail for many years, while living in Casper, Wyoming, Bill decided to start a business.  He worked as a paint contractor and ran a janitorial service with the help of Shirley. Even though Shirley worked full-time for a doctor's office, her expertise in managing an office was vital to the success of their family business. 

In 1988, Shirley and Bill moved to the warmer climate in Marble Falls, Texas. Shirley was able to find a job managing a doctor’s office easily with her qualifications. Bill worked for Horseshoe Bay Resort at their three golf courses. 

Shirley and Bill semi-retired in 1999 and went on the road as "workcampers." They worked for camp space and were able to make lots of friends and visit many parks in Texas and across the country. 

They eventually retired in San Juan, Texas, where their daughter, Terry, lived for many years. 

When Shirley wasn't working, she enjoyed knitting, quilting, and cross-stitching. She made some beautiful quilts over the years. 

Shirley is preceded in death by her parents, John and Charlotte Thompson; her daughter, Teresa "Terry" Sample; brothers, John Thompson and Alvin Thompson; and sister, Harriet Thomspon.

She is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, William "Bill" Sample, daughter, Wendy Lee Sample, sister, Charlotte Travis (Tim), and nephews and nieces.