Obituary

Merrilee Rose Samson

March 20, 1932–November 19, 2024

Merrilee Rose Samson, Waitsburg resident, passed away Tuesday morning, November 19, 2024, at her Waitsburg home. She was 92.

Merrilee was born March 20, 1932, in Spokane, Wash., to William and Marjorie Roberts Tate. She graduated from Waitsburg High School in 1950 and then attended Walla Walla Community College where she learned to be a medical secretary.

She married William Orval Samson December 23, 1952, in Dayton and for most of their life, they made their home in Waitsburg. Merrilee was a member of the Waitsburg Grange and the Rainbow Girls. She liked to knit, crochet, sew and quilt. She was also an avid gardener and the family liked to go camping.

Her husband William passed away in 1995.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her sister Bess Tate.

Merrilee is survived by her sons; Andrew in Haysville, Kansas, Alan in Waitsburg, Michael in Irrigon, Ore., and William, Jr. in Soldotna, Ak .; her daughters; Cindi Putnam, Peterson, Ia., Cynthia Smith, Spokane, and Christine Cloin in Waitsburg; by 29 grandchildren, 77 great grandchildren and 11 great-great grandchildren; and by her brother William Price Tate in Spokane.

A graveside service will be held in the Dayton Cemetery on Saturday, November 23 at 9 a.m. On-line guest book is at http://www.corbeillfuneralhomes.com

Corbeill Funeral Home in Dayton is caring for the family.