Carol Samples

Carol Samples, born on February 20, 1954, in Columbus, Ohio, passed away peacefully on March 9, 2026, in Grove City, Ohio. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend whose selflessness and quiet strength touched everyone around her.

After a 38-year career at DSW, Carol retired in 2024, remembered for her steadfast work ethic and commitment. Known as a dedicated PTA mom, she was a constant, supportive presence throughout her children’s school years. She found joy in bowling, scrapbooking, and hosting lively Euchre parties with neighbors and friends. Her playful spirit was especially evident in cherished family stories, such as the time she stood on the roof to drop water on her husband, Leonard.

Carol took greatest pride in her time with her grandchildren. She attended every sporting event and marching band performance, cheering them on with unwavering love and pride. Her home was filled with laughter, the company of her beloved dogs Gracie and Sassy, and the aromas of her homemade chicken and noodles, a recipe her family will continue to make and share. She also enjoyed life’s simple pleasures, including a cold Pepsi.

She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Leonard Samples; her children, Charles (Kaelie) Samples and Lori (Rob) Adams; her special niece Kym (Bob) Campbell; her lifelong friend Susan Kidwell; cousins Bill (Judy) Hess and Margaret Hess; niece Mary Fouts; and grandchildren James Johnson, Larry (Sarah) Adams, Hailey (Kasey) Wright, Justin (Megan Schoenlein) Kocheran, Noelle (Alex Munoz) Samples, Holly Samples, Crystal (Asher) Phillippe, Stephanie (Cameron) Leach, Spencer Kocheran, and Owen Loftus. She was also a proud great-grandmother to Laykin, Kolt, Braylen, Jensen, Iradessa, Camilia, and Cameron Jr.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Elma Alice (Wilkes) Hess, her sister Norma Fouts, her granddaughter-in-law Heather Kocheran, her nephew Tony Fouts, and her cousin Brenda Hardyman.