Helen Louise Sample of Colorado Springs, Colorado, formerly of Springfield, died on November 21, 2025, at age 98.

She was born in Salisbury, Illinois, in 1927 to Anna Young Williams and H.E. Williams. She grew up on a family farm there. She and her mother moved to Springfield, Illinois, when she was a teenager and she lived much of her life there. She met her husband, Lindon "Lyn" F. Sample, there during World War II, and they were married on October 24, 1944. Sadly, not long before their 50th wedding anniversary, Lyn passed away from pancreatic cancer. Helen cared for him at home during the months of his last illness, to his comfort.

Helen was an avid reader all of her life. In her last years, when her vision deteriorated from macular degeneration, she turned to audio books to continue her passion. She also loved dogs. After she lost her own last dog, her beloved Nikki, she got her "dog fix" by "babysitting" her daughter and son-in-law's dogs when they had to be away. Her favorite was Oliver, whom she often spoke of years after he passed away. Helen will always be remembered for her sweet nature and devotion to family. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved her.

Helen was preceded in death in 2024 by her son, Robert L. Sample, a loss from which she never really recovered

She is survived by her daughter, Judith A. Veale; son-in-law, James R. Veale; daughter-in-law, Beatrice Sample; and her numerous nieces and nephews, with several of whom she had close personal relationships.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, December 11, 2025, at the Oak Ridge Cemetery Mausoleum Chapel, with Pastor Larry Hanson officiating.

Donations to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation or Make-A-Wish Foundation would be greatly appreciated.