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 beacon of love and strength in the lives of her family and friends, cherished for her selflessness and dedication as a wife, mom, grandmother, and friend.

After an impressive 38-year career at DSW, Carol retired in 2024, leaving behind a legacy of hard work and commitment. As a devoted "pillar PTA mom," she was a constant presence in her children's lives, always ready to lend a helping hand at school whenever they needed her in their formative years. Carol’s zest for life shone through in her many hobbies, from bowling and scrapbooking to hosting lively Euchre parties with her neighbors and friends. Her delightful spirit was perhaps best captured in her playful antics, such as standing on the roof to drop water on her beloved husband, Leonard.

While Carol had countless talents, one of her proudest accomplishments was undoubtedly spending time with her grandchildren. She was their biggest supporter, attending every sporting event and marching band performance, always cheering them on with a heart full of pride. The memories of laughter shared and milestones celebrated will forever be treasured by her family.

Carol's home was filled with love, laughter, and her cherished dogs, Gracie and Sassy, who provided her with boundless joy. She was also known for her culinary skills, famously making the second-best homemade chicken and noodles—a recipe that will be carried on in the hearts and kitchens of her loved ones. Her love for a good Pepsi was a minor detail that spoke to her simple pleasures in life.

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 including 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 daughter-in-law Heather Kocheran, her nephew Tony Fouts, and her cousin Brenda Hardyman. Their memories will forever be cherished alongside Carol's, as she joins them in eternal peace.

Her family and friends will gather to honor Carol's incredible life on March 17 and March 18, 2026, at the Newcomer Funeral Home in Grove City, Ohio. Visitation will take place on March 17 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM and again on March 18 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, leading into the Funeral Service at 11:00 AM.

In Carol Samples, we lose a nurturing soul whose love for her family and community created an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to know her. She will be profoundly missed, yet forever remembered in the hearts of those she touched.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Scioto Township Professional Firefighter L4000.