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Patti Jeanne Sampers (Main) was born in Storm Lake, Jan 27, 1943, and passed away peacefully at home in Lakewood, Colo., April 11, 2024, surrounded by loved ones.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James William Sampers in 1969.
She is survived by her four children and two grandchildren: Steve Sampers, Jim Sampers (Rhonda), Ron Sampers (Tina), Chris Ribbens (Kelley), Kerry Ribbens and Samantha Ribbens.
From raising four children on her own to being heavily involved in politics and legislative issues, Patti made a major impact on many lives. She worked on many political campaigns in Iowa and Colorado, including those of Dick Clark, Gary Hart, John Culver and Roy Romer. Her political involvement overlapped with her dedication to veterans causes and influencing policy changes. She served as president of the Denver Chapter of Gold Star Wives of America for many years and was integral in the passage of legislation to help other military widows and surviving families. She was a member of several veteran service organizations and served on Veterans Advisory Committees for senators and congressmen and provided support and feedback on a variety of survivors and veterans issues. For many years, she worked for the State of Colorado Department of Military & Veterans Affairs, Division of Civil Air Patrol and served as treasurer of the Colorado Civil Air Patrol Foundation.
A memorial service will be held on May 2 at Green Mountain Christian Church, 10700 W. Exposition Drive, Lakewood, Colo. All who were touched by Patti are welcome to join her family in celebrating her life. Her ashes will be buried with her husband in Storm Lake, in the coming months. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the Colorado Civil Air Patrol Foundation coloradocapfoundation.org/donate. They have set up a memorial in her name and the organization was dear to her heart.
