Doris Sammons

DORIS SAMMONS IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Doris Gardiol Sammons, 93, a life-long resident of Challis, Idaho, died Wednesday, April 25, 2007, at the home of her daughter, Chrystal, in Idaho Falls, where she had been living since the death of her husband, Loyd, in 2004. Doris was born July 25, 1913, in Challis, Idaho, to Paul and Sadie Gardiol. Sadie's family, the Bradshaw’s, were early day pioneers in the Salmon River Country, arriving in the 1880's and homesteading at Chilly Butte. Paul worked for the Drake Sheep Ranch for many years shepherding, worked for the Forest Service, and in later years in maintenance at the Cobalt Mine. Sadie worked hard at home caring for her four children, tending a large garden, enjoying handwork and helping friends and neighbors. Even though Paul and Sadie did not have much formal education, they taught their children to value life-long learning and hard work. Three of their children graduated from high school, which at the time was quite an achievement. Doris and Loyd "Steelhead" Sammons married in 1948 at Challis. Loyd was one of the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) boys from Kentucky who were stationed at Camp Challis up in White Valley. Doris tended some of the most beautiful flowerbeds in the city along with helping in Loyd's garden, which was his pride and joy. Doris at various times served on the Library Board, was a charter member of the North Custer Museum, served in the Legion Auxiliary, and Eastern Star. Doing handwork as a member of the Ladies Aid Society of the Congregational Church for many years was a special joy. She enjoyed playing cards with Jinx Club and was a member of the Alpha Club, the first women's social club in Challis. Wintering in Quartsite, Arizona, and Mesquite, Nevada, was especially enjoyable for her after Loyd retired from the Forest Service. Doris did beautiful handwork . . . knitting, crocheting, and embroidery. Each of her children and grandchildren have an afghan made by 'Grandma'. Her handwork is treasured by her family. Reading was a favorite activity for Doris and the library was always a weekly stop for the Sammons' family. Although Doris was quiet, the fiery red hair of her youth put a twinkle in her eye and gave incredible strength to a woman who faced life with few complaints and a cheerful spirit. Survivors include her children, Marie Sasser of Boise, Chrystal (Steve) McCormick of Idaho Falls, and Delores Rumble of Ammon; nine grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents Paul and Sadie, her husband, Loyd, two brothers, Fred and Wayne Gardiol, and a sister, Marie Gardiol, who died at the age of 17. Memorial Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 12, 2007, at the Challis Mission Church. The family will visit with friends Saturday from 10:15 a.m. to 11 a.m. before services at the church. Interment will be at the Challis Cemetery immediately following the services. The family may be contacted at 949 Lowell Drive, Idaho Falls, ID 83402. ----------------------------- Condolences sent online: Judy Smith judysmith@custertel.net We extend our most sincere sympathy to you upon the loss of your mother. If there is anything at all that we can do to help, please call us. We will be unable to attend the service on Saturday as we are headed to Wyoming for our only Grandson's high school graduation. Everytime we drive by your parents home we think of you. Much love to the family, Dean and Judy Smith Speed and Donna Crawford Doffing We send our sincere sympathy to you. I have known Doris and Lloyd all my life. My dad Don Crawford worked in the CCC's with Lloyd and he even visited us when he was in the Marines. Doris was always so sweet and I can remember when Marie was only a baby. Another great pioneer family has passed out of Challis and will be missed. Our love and prayers to the family of Doris. Donna Doffing Norine Yant Persons nomor@cableone.net My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.