Edwa Abbie Irene Grote-Sample August 9, 1923 - January 23, 2016

Edwa Abbie Irene Grote-Sample, age 92, of Ozark passed away Saturday, January 23, 2016 in her home. Abbie was born August 9, 1923 in St. Louis, Missouri the daughter of Edward and Irene ( Grodzicki ) Grote. On May 13, 1944 she was united in marriage to John Burk Sample, Jr. who preceded her in death on February 8, 2005. Abbie and John’s marriage was blessed with three loving children. Abbie worked for the St. Charles School District as secretary to the Assistant Superintendent for over 30 years. Abbie was a longtime Christian County resident and a member of Ozark United Methodist Church. She was also active with numerous activities including Eastern Star Chapter 326, Sparta, Missouri and worked tirelessly as the church volunteer office clerk at Ozark United Methodist Church. Abbie was a beloved mother, wife, faithful friend to many and will be dearly missed but always remembered and cherished for the gracious gift of love she left as her inspiring legacy.Abbie is survived by three children and their spouses, Michael and Tina Sample, Sue and Chester Woodall, Barbara and Dr. Richard “Dick” Linn; eight grandchildren, Craig Evan Sample, Chester W. Woodall, Emily S. Woodall, Allison F. Ramsey, Jonathan Dale Linn, Sarah Elizabeth Linn, Jessica Neel and Jon Newstorm; five great-grandchildren; several loving extended family members and caring friends. Funeral services will be held at 12:30 P.M., Thursday, January 28, 2016 in Barnes Family Funeral Home, Ozark, with Chaplain Jim Young officiating. Burial will follow at 2:00 P.M. in Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Springfield. Visitation will be held 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Wednesday, in the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, PO Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148 or India Gospel League, 1521 Georgetown Road, Ste. 305, Hudson, OH, 44236. Online condolences may be shared at www.barnesfamilyfunerals.com.