GOSHEN —

Mary Ann Lloyd Sample, a lifelong local resident who gave back to her community died Friday, September 3, 2010 at Goshen General Hospital. She was 85.

"Our mother was an exceptional woman, beautiful both inside and out," said her daughters. "She had grace, dignity and a remarkable spirit." Mary Ann’s life was deeply influenced by music. She was a great patron of the arts and especially loved classical music and Broadway performances. Her love of music led her to ably serve as the choir director at Bristol Methodist Church for 38 years and as a music teacher in the Shipshewana-Scott school system.

Throughout her life she was known as an energetic, generous and caring person who gave of herself through civic service and charitable endeavors. Mrs. Sample served as the Jefferson Township trustee since 1992 through her passing. She was particularly proud of her work with the volunteer fire department and the construction of the new township fire station. Mrs. Sample was instrumental in establishing the Jefferson Township Food Pantry. "MaryAnn had a heart for helping people. For her, being trustee was not just a job, she really enjoyed what she did," said Jeannie Koch, food pantry director. Mrs. Sample also served on the Board of Directors for the American Cancer Society, Elkhart Symphony, Indiana Lakeland Girl Scout Council, and was a member of the Four Arts Club. Her dedication to the community and her genuinely selfless nature will certainly be missed.

Mrs. Sample was born in Shirley, Ind., graduated from Anderson High School and attended Butler University where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi Sorority. She worked as an administrative assistant for the chairman and CEO of Midwest Commerce Bank.

Mrs. Sample was predeceased by her loving husband of 47 years, Mr. Earl K. Sample, who died in 1992. She is survived by three daughters, Jane (Scott) Johnson who resides in Ipswich, Massachusetts, Elizabeth (John) Boggs who resides in Lexington, Kentucky, and Sarah (George) Noggle who resides in Cincinnati, Ohio, eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Close personal friends Virgil Lee, Ida Mae Yoder, Elizabeth Burns and her longtime childhood friend, Annabelle Batten all share in our loss.

Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Stemm Lawson Peterson Funeral Home at Cobblestone Crossing, Elkhart.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Bristol United Methodist Church with the Rev. Fred Stayton and Rev. Ron Spyker officiating. Burial will follow at West Goshen Cemetery. Mrs. Sample was a member of The First Presbyterian Church, Goshen.

Memorials may be made to Earl Sample Scholarship Fund at Westview High School and the Jefferson Township Food Pantry. An online guestbook may be accessed at www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com