Carol Ann (Sampson) Sherick

B: December 27, 1944 D: October 20, 2008

Carol Ann (Sampson) Sherick, 63, of Polson passed away at her home on Monday, October 20, 2008 after a courageous battle with cancer. Carol was born December 27, 1944 in Polson to Elmer & Bessie Sampson. She was raised and attended school in Polson graduating from PHS in 1962. She also attended the University of Montana. On December 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, The 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 October 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 is preceded in death by her parents, Bessie & Elmer Sampson and her sisters, Bernice and Beatrice. Carol’s survivors include her husband, Dave of Polson; her daughters, Kelly (Pat) Frank of Missoula, Tracey Sherick and Kris Young of Missoula, Tammy (Mo) Brown of Driggs, Idaho; grandson Sam, and granddaughter, Rudi, who is arriving soon; six step-grandchildren, two step great-grandchildren; sisters Eleanore (Ron) Hasley of Polson, Gayleen Edison of California, brother-in-law Richard Espeland of Huntley, MT, 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. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 25 at 10:30 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, with a reception to follow at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Cremation has taken place. 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.

10-21-2008
Mary Fulkerson Lee
Carol....you go, girl....just as you always have. You have definitely made your footprints noticed in this beautiful place that God placed you in. Old memories, and new memories, all point to the inner you....the beautiful shiny one, with a great smile, whether jogging, walking, visiting all the businesses......I especially have laughed at the memory I have of joining Weight Watchers, and seeing you there, and knowing that it was a real struggle for you to have to gain 10 pounds in order to sign up again, or come back for maintenance! You are a wonderful inspiration, touching so many lives. I can see you running your race in heaven now, since you ran the race and finished the race that He gave to you, here on earth.... May Carol live forever in our hearts, our inner spirits, and be there waiting for us in Heaven......You have finished the race, gracefully, with endurance, integrity, and with dignity.....Thank you so much for being that beacon of light for the rest of us.

10-21-08
The Rausch Family
We are so thankful to have had the opportunity to have Carol in our lives, if only for a little while. She made moving to Polson and to the Demers neighborhood so easy and welcoming. We loved her smile, her stops to chat, her bringing the newspaper with articles about our kids, her willingness to help out with any fundraisers the kids had, and all the times we shoveled snow together and marveled at God's creation. The peace that she faced her cancer with was only one more evidence of the great faith she had in God and the assurance she had of His love for her. She blessed us and we are so thankful for her life. Our prayers continue to be with her family and all whom she loved.

October 20,2008
Billings, Montana
To David and girls, Carol was always ray of sunshine in Polson. She never forgot old friends and always was making new friends. She should be remembered as a inspiration to all that knew her! Peggy (Howell) Aerni-Pick

10/21/2008
Sparks, Nevada
Carol Sampson Sherick personified a genuine love of people and her community. The extended hand to greet you, the engaging personality and dynamic smile will be missed, as were Carol's contributions to her home town and family. You are missed, Carol, and we were blessed to know you, Dave and your family members. Your labors have earned you a peaceful rest. John H. and Juli Parker

10-22-08
Missoula
Dave and Family, You are in my thoughts in your loss of your wife, mother, and grandmother. I saw the dedication of the trail system on the news. How appropriate! Take care of each other.... With affection, Kimm Crouch

October 22,2008
Bothell, WA
Dear Dave and Family I was just in Polson to see my mother Billie West and Katie Hertz had told us about Carol. I was so shocked to hear about her death a few days later. What a beatiful person Carol was inside and out. We worked together at and A and W Root Beer stand many years ago. I married Owen Thompson in 1966 and lost him in 1994. I am remarried to Bob Hardie and now live in Bothell Wa and winter in Arizona. We will all miss Carol and her Smile All my love to you and your family Joan Fleming, Thompson, Hardie

10/22/08
Kathy & Joyce
Tracey, Kris -- we are so sorry to hear about your Mom. We have been following the Walking Trail dedication on the TV news and wondered if that was the same Sherick, and now, sadly, we know it was. We never had the pleasure of meeting her, but know she was a wonderful person. We will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. Our love, Kathy & Joyce

10/22/2008
Polson, Mt
Dave, Kelly, Tracey and Tammy, Our prayers are with you. Craol's sweet face and warm, witty personality will be one of Polson's bright lights forever. Jenny Krebsbach-Forbis

10/22/08
Helena, Mt
 

10/22/08
Paul & Francille Susott
 

10/22/08
Paul & Francille Susott
Paul and I wish to express our sympathy at the loss of your wife, mother and friend. I can remember many long years ago when we first moved to Polson, 1973, and I met Carol through the school. She was the one person I found to always have a smile and a "Hello" for me whenever we saw each other. Moving into a small community was difficult, but Carol always seemed to accept each and every person, no matter whether they were old "hats" or new. During her mother's last years, I had the privilege of working with Carol on her mother's income tax returns giving us time to share news of our children's lives and accomplishments. I shall miss seeing her walking down the street and waving to me when she went by the office. I am so thankful to have enjoyed her friendship.

10/22/08
Polson, Mt.
Dave and family, We are so sorry to hear that Carol has left us all. She was a great gal and we are so thankful that we had the opportunity of meeting Carol and seeing all the wonderful things that she had done for the community of Polson. Carol was a walker and so am I. For years we would meet up with one another in the middle of town at 5:30 a.m with a big greeting of good morning and we would continue on our walks. It was a sad day when I found that she no longer felt able to walk in the mornings, and that her health was failing. There is an emptiness there that I feel each morning when I walk into town. Carol had a smile on her face for everyone and it always made my day when she would greet me with it. She will be missed by all that knew her. Jim & Gerrie boyle

10/22/2008
Polson, MT
Dave & Family, Carols "welcome home" smile was one of the first joys on coming to Polson after Butch had lived elsewhere for decades. Her engaging us in class functions, gatherings and sitting down for a quick visit over coffee made the move a simple adjustment. Carol was sunshine, fun and energy with every encounter. Our worlds are both richer for her presence. Butch from childhood, my world for the last 10 years of quick hello's, a moment of laughter and always that smile. Our warmest thoughts, prayers and condolences are with you all. Butch and Judy Shostak

October 23
Rockford, IL
Ellie and Ron introduced us to Carol on our first visit to Polson. On return visits we experienced the Carol everyone is remembering so tenderly and appreciatively. To watch Carol "work" the community as she moved through it was a glimpse of what the ideal world would be. We send our love and sympathy to David, their children and to Ellie and Ron. Ellie is so proud of her "little sister". Gary and Marlene Park

Oct. 23, 2008
Missoula
Dear Tracy and Kris, I was sorry to read about your mother's passing. She sounded like a wonderful person. I would love to find the Carol Sherick trail to enjoy a walk in the beautiful Polson setting. May you cherish your good memories of your mother at this difficult time. With love, Vivian Brooke

10-23-08
Carl Skabronski
Dave & Family....You are in our thoughts and prayers at this time. What a lovely lady Carol was. I can still remember that twinkle in her eye and the smile she wore all the time. She brightened the world around her. May her memories be cherished forever. May God bless you all. Annette & Carl Skabronsk Twin Falls ID 83301

10-23-2008
Corvallis, Or
My best wishes go to the family during this time of grief. I will always remeber Carol as she was the mother of my great childhood and teenage friend Tracey. I will also remember Carol everytime I am at our lake place because I still drink coffee out of the mug she gave me at graduation in 1984. God Bless all. Marty Moeller

October 24, 2008
Tetonia, Idaho
Tammy, Mo, Sam and Rudi: We are so terribly sorry to hear that Carol has passed away. We wished that we had known her...she must have been an incredible woman! Sean, Christopher and I will be making a donation in her name to the city of Polson to help maintain the Carol Sampson Sherick Trail. Much love, Sean, Linda and Christopher Cracraft

October 25, 2008
St. Thomas, Virgin Islands
I grew up in Polson (Beth Erkkila), but Carol was somewhat behind me in school....one of the "younger ones"! Thus I got to know her later when, as an adult, I would visit my hometown and family on vacations. Carol's smile and zest greeted me often at the Lutheran church and that will forever be a bright and lasting memory.

10/28/08
Formerly Polson
Carol was an angel and she so touched my life and the life of my daughter. We both admired her so.

November 3,2008
Missoula, Montana
Dear Sherick Family, We were very sad to hear of Carol's passing and want to give each of you our deepest condolences. She was a wonderful woman with a bright sparkle in her eyes. I'm sure everyone she met will agree! God bless and keep you all. With much love, Max and Nancy Good

11/8/08
Polson
Dear Dave: In times like this, people tend to reminisce and Clint and I certainly did that. Fondly, we recalled the first time we met you (New Year's Eve 1977/78). Then there was the black and white party (your birthday?) where we danced all night to Beatle tunes. Carol and I both played bridge together (I was awful) and we would then talk about what terrible players we were. (she probably told me that to make me feel better). But mostly for us, Carol will have a special place in our hearts for her selfless, genuine offer of help during our time of need. God bless all of you. Clint and Chris Fischer

12/1/2008
Connie
Carol, I miss you so much.