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Memorial Keepers(1)
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Kyle Gillis
Wilma (Billie) Sampson
August 1st, 1919 - June 22nd, 2023
August 1st, 1919 - June 22nd, 2023
Wilma (Billie) Sampson was born on August 1, 1919. As an adult, she was resolutely self-sufficient, profoundly capable, and active enough to earn the nickname “the energizer bunny.” She was frugal almost to a fault, except for things that really mattered. This included generous support for the education of her children and grandchildren and foreign travel indulgences. Retiring after 40 years as an elementary school teacher and librarian with the Seattle Public Schools, she embraced snow-birding from Seattle, WA to Mesa, AZ until she was 99 years old. Billie had a ridiculously high pain threshold and disdain for self-pity that made her seem indestructible. When she died on June 22, 2023, surrounded by her loving family, she was 40 days short of her 104th birthday.
In all her roles – a mom, grandma, great-grandma, teacher, and fiercely independent woman – she cultivated deep relationships and engaged intentionally. Billie engaged in politics and was always up-to-date on current events. She was a talented seamstress, a gifted gardener, and a skilled card player. A pragmatist to her core, she never wallowed in emotion or hardship. Her warm presence and countless acts of support left those around her without any doubt that they were loved and valued. She set a wonderful example of a life well-lived and will forever be remembered for the myriad of inspiring life lessons she taught through her actions. Billie was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed.
Billie was born in Seattle to William Nicholson Turner and Alta Jensen Turner. She is survived by her children, Kyle (Greg) Gillis and Erick (Barbara) Merklinghaus; her grandchildren, Kristina (Erik) Soballe, Jennifer (George) Graham, Andrew Merklinghaus, and Allison Merklinghaus; and her great-grandchildren, Charlotte, Clara, Brayden, Natalie, and Mari. She is predeceased by her husbands, Fred Merklinghaus and Vernon Sampson, and her five siblings, Jean Davis, Bob Turner, Doris Cooke, June Dizard, and John Turner.
Donations to the PTA at John Rogers Elementary School, where she taught and her children attended, will continue Billie’s legacy of elevating education, especially for the young. Visit https://tinyurl.com/Donate4Billie, then use the pulldown menu to select "Wilma Sampson Memorial Fund." Among other services, the funds will be used to support the library, provide teacher discretionary funds, and help families facing emergencies.
In lieu of services, we will honor Billie's extraordinary life at the family's annual picnic on Camano Island. Please contact her daughter Kyle, 425.750.4888, if you are interested in more information.
Events
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Resting Place
Lake View Cemetery
1145A • 47.6340558, -122.3153185
Tributes
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Cathleen Faraj
Wonderful Camano memories! Mom really loved it and her trips to Arizona.
April Cook
I remember fondly the evenings of dinner and card games with the whole family. There was such a camaraderie between Wilma and my beloved mother who passed just last year. Wilma was a treasure for all of us to keep in our hearts.
Gayle Turner
I was so lucky to have had Billie as my aunt - and as my teacher. She taught me at a time I remember as being in a split classroom with third and fourth graders in a portable at John Rogers Elementary, just one of the many things she did so well. With Billie gone an era passes for the extended Turner family. She was the last remaining sibling of the six Turner kids, all of whom went on to live such engaged, loving and productive lives! Billie lived close enough to us as I was growing up that I could walk to her house easily. Billie and I always implicitly assumed, I think, that I was looking for my cousin, Kyle, but of course I was looking for her, too! I was grateful to spend some time with both Billie and Kyle a few weeks ago. She was fading, but with her indomitable spirit very much still intact. I loved her and will remember her always as one of those important adults in my life who helped me in innumerable ways. The photo I uploaded is of Billie at her 90th birthday party, talking animatedly with her son Erick. What a way to be 90, Aunt Billie!
Sasha
Wether she was know as Billie or Wilma. A rose by any other name would've been just as sweet!! From her witty, noble personality to her kind ,warm words is enough to make you get through the worst day. Our paths crossed on September 24th 2022 . There was never a dull moment with Billie. We would talk about family (Billie would not hesitate to say how wonderful her kids are) , traveling or how much she loved dancing (Billie promises to teach me some of her moves and we would go dancing whenever the time permits us). You were such a gem . I'm blessed to have been apart of your journey of life, . So dance on my sweet Billie. I live with gratitude to have known you. FOREVER IN MY HEART.
Rev. Eric Kaminetzky
What a fantastic life! What a wonderful attitude toward living! Brave, Billie! You will be missed, and you will be remembered!
Kyle Gillis
My deep love and admiration for my mother are expressed in the biography included on this site and in the words others have shared. I am forever grateful for the depth of my family member’s love for my mom as demonstrated by their response to her passing. Perhaps there is no greater tribute than a deep grief that can slowly morph into the joy of fond remembrance. I frequently wondered if Billie’s stoicism was learned through sheer determination or if she was just born that way. I’m sure that growing up during the Great Depression, being a young adult during WWII, having a difficult first marriage, and caring for her second husband following a stroke, all presented potential personality-altering stresses. It is possible that these stressors helped her to recognize and focus on the blessings her life offered—including wonderful parents and siblings, a meaningful career, the ability to provide a nurturing environment for her children, and financial security. Whatever the source, her bent toward the positive was unwavering. When diagnosed with breast cancer for the first time, her focus was on getting through surgery quickly so that she could leave for her winter home in Arizona. When diagnosed the second time, there was no mention of fear, regret, or anxiety. Beyond talking about her burial wishes, which she made clear decades ago, we only talked about her pending death once. I recently asked if she had any concerns. She looked a bit surprised that I would ask and replied with one simple but all-encompassing statement, “I’ve had a good life.” Yes, Mom, you lived well. You lived with gusto and made it obvious that in your life there was no conflict between self-care and care of others—the two melded perfectly. You triumphed over any adversities to live a life that was filled with both pragmatism and kindness. The lessons you taught by example leave a legacy in the lives you have touched, and if my greatest hopes are realized, these lessons will live on for generations to come. Thank you, Mom. I love you.
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