Samantha Louise (Vanover) Woods

Samantha Louise Woods, age 52 of Elkhart, was called to her mansion in Heaven on the morning of February 18, 2022. “Sam” was born October 15, 1969, in Elkhart, Indiana to the late Grant and Meliva Vanover.  She was a graduate of Elkhart Central High School and later attended Ivy Tech University. On September 1, 1989, Sam married Roger Woods at Oxbow Park in Elkhart IN. They celebrated 32 years of marriage.

She is survived by her husband Roger Woods of Elkhart, her mother-in-law Patsy Hapner of Goshen, Aunt Kitty Becccue of Kentucky, her sister Mariah (Jerry) Edwards of Kentucky and her husband’s stepsiblings, Mark Hapner, Nancy Hapner, Chris Ratcliff, Judy Keller, and Lori Wooldridge. She is also survived by her Aunt, Shirley McNabb and family from West Virginia, Aunt Bonitta Huebner and family of Goshen, Indiana, Aunt Sharon and Uncle Paul Hapner and family of Elkhart, Indiana, Uncle Roger and Aunt Cindi Scott and family of Boomer, West Virginia, Aunt Cora Parker and family of Glasgow West Virginia, Aunt Charlotte Scott and family of Ft Worth Texas. Surviving as well is family from Smithers, West Virginia who are related through her Aunt, Robin Johnson, who preceded Samantha in death, 11 nieces and 13 nephews. Samantha is also survived by her church family and friends, as well as numerous “adopted” grandchildren that she and Roger have grown very fond of over the years.

Visitation will be held from 5-8 pm Monday, February 21, 2022, at Cruz Family Funeral Home in Osceola.  There will also be one hour of visitation prior to the 11:00 am funeral service on Tuesday, February 22, 2022, at Mount Moriah Church, 23460 Co Rd 30, Goshen, IN 46526.  Pastor Larry Troyer will officiate Samantha’s services and she will be laid to rest at Olive Cemetery in Elkhart.

Samantha was employed for over 23 years as an Emergency Room registration specialist with Elkhart General Hospital.  Not only was Sam passionate about her job, but she was highly regarded as a calming spirit to those she’d meet at the ER who were scared or upset.  She loved working with the public, her coworkers and the Physicians of the Hospital to care for people in need.

She was an avid fan of music and listened to many different genres daily. She and Roger were usually early to church services so she could sit in the sanctuary as the worship team practiced and the worship pastor played piano. Her love of music also led her to begin piano lessons later in life.

Most of all, she loved the Lord, and much of her spare time revolved around church activities at Mount Moriah Church, where she was a faithful member for many years.   She and Roger were extremely fond of children and Samantha was always excited for a new little one to be born. Her talent for knitting and crocheting allowed her to gift new families a handmade baby blanket, usually in the color of the baby’s nursery, along with gift bags filled with things new parents needed.

Her protective nature, love for others and her generous spirit will be missed by those whose lives she touched during her short time on Earth.  To light a virtual candle in her memory, share a story of her life, or leave a message of comfort for Roger and his family, please follow the links provided on the tribute wall tab above.