In Memory Of
Pearl Rose Sams, age 93, of Helena Montana
February 9th, 1932 – June 25th, 2025
Pearl R. Sams, 93, died of natural causes the morning of June 25, 2025, at Son Heaven Assisted Living Center in Helena, Montana.
Born on February 9, 1932, to William and Mary Evasuik in Belfield, North Dakota, Pearl experienced tragedy early in life when her father passed away when she was only six months old. She mourned his loss throughout her life and often prayed she would finally meet him upon her passing. Pearl’s mother never remarried and raised Pearl and her five siblings in a very modest two-room home, which she paid for through her house-painting wages.
Pearl graduated from high school in 1950 and married her high school sweetheart, Raymond Sams, on September 19 of that same year. The two shared 66 years of marriage.
They moved to Miles City, Montana, where Ray had secured a job at the local Safeway store. Their family began there with the arrival of their daughters, Debra and Cheri. Ray was later promoted to store manager in Forsyth, Montana, where their son Dennis was born. Another promotion brought the family briefly to Laurel, Montana, before Ray was again promoted to manage the Safeway in Lewistown, Montana where their youngest son, Timothy, was born.
They settled in Lewistown, where they raised their family and embraced a life full of faith, friendship, and fun. From church and community gatherings to dancing, golfing, and playing cards with friends, they found joy in every moment. Pearl especially cherished hosting countless social events, where her warmth and hospitality always shined.
In 1967, Ray was asked to transfer to Helena, Montana, to apply his expertise as a store manager. It was a difficult decision, as they loved their life in Lewistown, but they eventually accepted and moved to Helena. Pearl began working at JCPenney, where she advanced to become the Credit and Jewelry Manager, a position she held for 25 years.
Ray and Pearl later enjoyed 22 wonderful years of retirement. They spent summers at their Holter Lake property in Montana and winters as “snowbirds” in Parker, Arizona.
Pearl was preceded in death by her husband, Ray; her parents; her five siblings; her daughter, Debra; and two infant grandchildren.
She is survived by her daughter, Cheri (Marv) Floyd; her son, Dennis Sams (and companion Corey); and her son, Timothy (Latasha) Sams; as well as nine grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, numerous extended family members and friends, and last but certainly not least, her best friend and loving little dog, Ritzy.
Pearl’s ashes will be laid to rest alongside her beloved husband in the columbarium niche at Resurrection Cemetery in Helena, Montana. The family extends our deepest gratitude to the compassionate staff at Son Heaven Assisted Living Center for the devoted care they provided to our mother. We are also especially thankful to the kindhearted residents who welcomed her as a friend and became a second family. Your warmth and companionship meant the world to her, and to us. We will carry that kindness with us always.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Son Heaven Assisted Living Facility, 2510 Ferndale Lane, Helena, Montana 59601, or to your local no-kill animal shelter.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Roy Nmn Moreno says
I met Pearl when she moved into Son Heaven we became friends we spend our summer days sitting out on the deck enjoying the sun when I
would come out she’d say oh no the wind is going
to start blowing she didn’t like the wind one day her son was on the phone talking to his sister
Pearl started to laugh hysterically he had his back to us his sister asked why she laughing so hard he asked me what I had done well I had lifted
my shirt up to show her my tan and she said I am
not showing you mine and started to laugh her son thanked me telling me he can’t remember the last time she had laughed that hard and thanked me for being her friend I will miss our talks
Pearl you got your wings now fly high with the
Angles my sincere condolences to Dennis and his family she’ll be missed RIP lovely lady
Caleb Dalton says
My name is Caleb Dalton I work at son heaven I loves your mom so much so sad
Joe & Dorothy Joyce says
To Pearl’s family,
We are so sorry to see that Pearl passed away. We were lucky to have visited with her last summer. She recognized us right away and we talked about Ray, her family and our Holter lake connection. It was so good to see her and to know she was happy at Son Haven. It seemed like a good fit for her. Her obituary is a loving tribute to her. Our sympathies for your loss. She was a fine person and fun to be around.
Joe and Dorothy