Patsy Samples Obituary

DANVILLE -Patricia Ann (Bilyeu) Samples, 93, of Danville, OH passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 17, 2025.

Patsy was born in Beallsville, OH on January 23, 1932 to Russell & Minnie Bilyeu. She married Bob Samples on November 11, 1951 after, according to Bob, a lengthy pursuit which ended in a proposal. Bob preceded her in death in March of 2007.

She is survived by her three daughters, Becky (Ron Sopp, dec’d) Samples, Columbus, Kathy (Jack) Robinson, Danville, and Lisa (Joe) Mazzari, Danville; Grandchildren, Tabitha (Tim) Robinson Evans , Shawn Robinson, Tricia (James) Robinson Malone, Kailea (Matt) Mazzari Sparks, Drew (Chelsea) Mazzari; Great grandchildren, Julia Rine, Nadia Evans; Kelsey Robinson (Dylan Jones), Tyler Robinson (Kyleigh Boyd); Raegan, Riley, and JC Malone; Adley, Barrett, and Cohen Sparks; Aiden and Gracelyn Mazzari. Great-great grandchild, Ivory Jones. She will be missed by her constant companion, Chloe. She was preceded in death by great grandchildren; Zoey & Jordan Rine, and Nealla Malone.

Patsy was also preceded in death by siblings, Paul Bilyeu, Mabel (Halley) Smith, Ruth (Ed) Huston, and Betty (Pat) Truex. As well as in-laws, Charles & Lois, Max & Louise, Don & Margie, Ruth Friedli, Bill & Jeannie, and Ron Samples. Patsy was the surviving matriarch of the Samples and Bilyeu families.

Patsy was baptized into The Church of Christ with her mother on August 7th, 1944 and remained faithful until death.

Patsy was the picture of grace and poise throughout her life. She was active in many clubs and activities in high school. She was crowned Danville High School Homecoming Queen in 1950. Throughout high school she worked for Clarence and Opal Mizer at the local restaurant and ice cream shop, where she met her future husband, Bob, who proposed to her at work, saying it’s now or never. While there she also learned how to make the best homemade potato salad around.

After graduating from Danville, she went to Mount Vernon Business School, where she earned a business certification. She then began a career with a local Mount Vernon bank. After marrying Bob, they owned and operated the restaurant and gas station in Millwood. Later they purchased Samples Service Station on the square in Danville. Patsy went on to work for The Purdy Company, as Vice-President for over 45 years. Patsy has lived with Joe & Lisa since 2007, after Bob’s passing.

Patsy was involved in the local garden club, where she earned numerous awards at the Knox County Fair. Patsy began modeling for her friend, Flossie Lewis of The Fashion Page. She also modeled at the Ohio State Fair for The Ohio Wool Association. Patsy later went on to own her own floral shop, Silk Reflections. She was very active in all of Lisa’s high school years by chaperoning many activity trips, including a show choir trip to West Liberty University, in WV, and the French Club trip to Quebec. When Patsy and Bob built their home, they envisioned a nice basement where the girls could host get-togethers with their friends. They were always willing to take in all the extra kids, who they built wonderful relationships with over the years.

Honoring Patsy’s wishes, cremation has taken place. She would be honored to know that her many friends and family members will visit with her family during visiting hours, which will take place at Fischer Funeral Home, 403 High Street Danville, OH 43014 on Saturday, July 26, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Memorial Service to follow immediately thereafter. Her eulogy will be given by her granddaughter, Kailea Sparks, and grandson, Drew Mazzari. Interment will take place at Mount Vernon Memorial Gardens on Monday, July 28, 2025 at 11:00 a.m., with Evangelist Ben Driver, Mount Vernon Church of Christ officiating. www.fischerfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, the girls would like for donations in her name to be made to The Mount Vernon Church of Christ 1200 Newark Road, Mt. Vernon, OH 43050 or Gentiva Hospice, 112 Harcourt Road, #3, Mount Vernon, OH 43050. The family would like to say a special thanks to Gentiva Hospice for their love and care. We could never have made it through this journey without them. Especially Julie Huckstep, who will always be part of our family.