Betty Sue (Shelton) Sams

Betty Sue (Shelton) Sams - age 83 of Mason, OH, passed away, Wednesday, May 1st, 2024. Betty was born June3, 1940 to James Thomas (J. T.) and Frieda Faye (Hemry) Shelton in Ray County, south of Polo, Missouri. She enjoyed growing up on the farm with her four siblings being thankful for parents who taught them Christian principals. Family was always important to Betty. She received Jesus as her Savior at a youth camp when she was thirteen. She was active in the 4H Club during elementary and high school years and accumulated an impressive collection of blue ribbons along with other ribbons and awards. She was a 1958 graduate of Polo, High School. She married Charles Sams on July 31, 1960. Her first job was working for Hallmark Card Co. in Kansas City, Mo. She later worked as a classroom monitor of student achievement for Liberty Christian Academy in North Olmsted, OH. Betty was recognized for twenty years of service as church secretary and custodian by Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church Cincinnati, OH when she retired in 2002.

Through the years, she was a faithful Bible teacher in Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and Children's Church. She taught classes from preschool through youth girls, but especially enjoyed teaching 3rd and 4th graders. For many years she read through the Bible in a year, and more than once in some years. Betty enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and taking trips with them. At different times she, also, cared for five foster children.

Betty was very involved in missions. She presented in numerous churches and on video a first-person monologue on the life of Lottie Moon, a 40-year missionary to China. She visited Lottie Moon's home place in Virginia, and the church in China where Lottie served as a missionary. Betty and Chuck were appointed as missionaries by the Home Mission Board of the SBC in 1971, serving in the Cleveland, OH area for four years. She and Chuck were, also, appointed as missionaries by the North American Mission Board of the SBC in 2000, serving in the Cincinnati, OH area for eleven years. She served on volunteer mission teams in Kenya, Russia, Israel and Costa Rica. She served on evangelism outreach teams in Orlando, New Orleans, San Antonio, Los Vegas, Salt Lake City, Indianapolis, Phoenix, Nashville and Louisville.  Betty loved to travel and enjoy the beauty of God's creation around the world. She and Chuck traveled in all 50 United States and 15 foreign countries. She loved the Lord Jesus, and rejoiced to see people everywhere trust Jesus as their Savior.          

Betty is survived by her husband of 63 years, Charles (Chuck) Sams, a son, John (Hope) Sams of West Chester, OH; a daughter, Janet (Gary) Woodard of Pegram, TN, four grandchildren: Britney Sams, Scott Sams, Emily Woodard and Erin Woodard, two great granddaughters: Savannah Billiter and Serenity Sams, three sisters: Barbara Stephens of Polo, MO, Shirley (Houston) Rushing of Great Falls, MT, Sharon (Duane) Tindall of Polo, MO, and a brother, James (Barbara) Shelton of San Antonio, TX as well as numerous nephews and nieces.

Donations can be made to the Lottie Moon Mission Offering for International Missions, SBC.

The family will receive friends from 1 PM to 2 PM, Wednesday, May 8th, 2024, at Stith Funeral Home in Polo. Graveside services will follow at Bethel Cemetery, south of Polo.  Arrangements in entrusted to the care and direction of Stith Funeral Home in Polo. (660) 354-2214.  Online guestbook at www.stithfamilyfunerals.com 

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