Carol Ann (Sampson) Sherick, 63
Carol Ann (Sampson) Sherick, 63, of Polson, passed away at her home on Monday, Oct. 20, 2008, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Carol was born Dec. 27, 1944, in Polson, to Elmer and Bessie Sampson. She was raised and attended school in Polson, graduating from Polson High School in 1962. She also attended the University of Montana.
On Dec. 31, 1962, Carol married David M. Sherick. The couple had three daughters, Kelly, Tracey and Tammy.
Carol's work experience included working at the A & W, Burgerville, Flagship, Polson Stove Shop, Walker's Gift Box, and Polson Chamber of Commerce, as well as working with Dave in the family business.
She participated in numerous clubs and organizations. Even when she was not a member of an organization, she was there to help out, never expecting anything in return. She always gave willingly and freely of her time, promoting the Polson community by volunteering in the schools, city library and driving people to their medical appointments.
She also attended the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and was a past member of the Buffalo Hill and Polson women's golf leagues.
In 1960, Carol was the "Copper Cup Queen," and was once selected as Jayceen of the Year. More recently, she was nominated for the Ambassador of the Year Award by the Chamber of Commerce. Just this past week, on Oct. 19, the walking trail system in Polson was named and dedicated "Carol Sampson Sherick Trail." She was extremely honored by that dedication.
Carol enjoyed walking, skiing, landscaping and building furniture. She had taken flight lessons, soloing once. She skydived on her 50th birthday, but one of her greatest joys in life was spending time with her grandson, Sam.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Bessie and Elmer Sampson; and her sisters, Bernice and Beatrice.
Carol's survivors include her husband, Dave, of Polson; her daughters, Kelly and Pat Frank of Missoula, Tracey Sherick and Kris Young of Missoula, and Tammy and Mo Brown of Driggs, Idaho; grandson, Sam, and granddaughter, Rudi, who is arriving soon; six stepgrandchildren, two stepgreat-grandchildren; sisters, Eleanore and Ron Hasley of Polson, and Gayleen Edison of California; brother-in-law, Richard Espeland, of Huntley; and innumerable friends.
Carol was truly a person who touched her community in ways we will never forget.
"We find comfort in knowing we have become better people by having shared her love."
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, with a reception to follow at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Polson City Library Children's Program or to the City Park's Department for the Carol Sampson Sherick Trail.
The guest book can be signed and condolences made to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com.