Ila "Lou" was born July 29, 1931 in Davenport, Nebraska to Adolph and Helen (Isch) Heinrichs. She completed her schooling and graduated from High School at the age of 16. She moved to Lincoln, Nebraska to attend a clerical school during which time she worked weekends as a telephone operator. After completing these courses, the family moved to Henryetta, Oklahoma in 1949. Her father opened a restaurant and this is where she met the love of her life Ray Sams. They married on January 20, 1951 and they were blessed with three children; Larry, Becky and Mary.
Once her children were in school, she went to work as the medical secretary to Dr. Smith until the old Henryetta Hospital closed down at which time she transferred to the New Henryetta Hospital. She worked the front desk and "PBX" for years until moving into billing and receiving for approximately 6 years prior to retiring after 20 years of service in October 2001.
Lou went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on February 9, 2023.
She is preceded in death by her husband Ray Sams, daughters, Rebecca Lynn Gizzi and Mary Helen Sams.
She is survived by her son, Larry Sams and wife Alana of Henryetta, Oklahoma; grandson, Tyler Gizzi and wife Lexi and their two children, her great grandchildren Blakely and Brooks of Burleson, Texas as well as a host of nieces, nephews and special friends.
There are no services scheduled at this time.
Arrangements and cremation services have been entrusted to Integrity Funeral Service, 410 East Trudgeon Street, Henryetta, Oklahoma 74437, 918-652-6600, www.integrityfuneralservice.com.