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SAM KINNEY Obituary
On the evening of December 23rd, in her home and surrounded by her loving family Sam Kinney left this world to celebrate Christmas in Heaven. Anxiously awaiting her arrival were her parents Jess and Meda Atkinson, her sisters Freda and Betty, and brothers Marvin and Bruce.
Sam was born on May 11, 1931 in Mountain Home, Arkansas. Where she lived until her family moved to Alpaugh, California when she was 12 years old. After graduating high school she moved to Merced where she met and married Ed Kinney. In 1953 they welcomed a son, Tony and in 1961 they added a daughter Lisa to their family.
In 1994, after 32 years with the Pacific Bell Telephone Sam retired to spend time with her friends and family. For the next 16 years she did just that. Sam was at her best when doing for others. If you were her family or friend you were loved and loved well. She leaves wonderful memories for all to cherish.
Sam will be dearly missed by her son, Tony Kinney and his wife Cecilia of Merced and her daughter, Lisa Hutchings and her husband Bruce of Oakdale. She leaves five grandchildren with lifetime memories that only a grandmothers love can create. She leaves four (with another due in March) great-grandchildren who gave her untold joy. She will be missed by her grandchildren, Cody Hutchings of Merced, Kaila Silva and husband Moises, Kelsey Tunnel and husband Jonathan, Cooper Hutchings of Oakdale and Christopher Kinney of Merced. Great- grandchildren Emma Jo, Marisa, Moises Jr. and Eden Silva of Oakdale. Sam also leaves her nieces Linda Collins and Debbie Johnson of Merced. She will also be missed by several great nieces and great nephews and numerous friends.
Sam faced her health issues with a strength and dignity that made us so proud. To the very last moments of her life she continued to teach us what true courage and grace is all about.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 29, 2010 from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, December 30, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Merced District Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to Hinds Hospice, P.O. Box 763 Merced, California 95341.
The family would like to thank Sam's angels at Hinds Hospice, April, Mandy, Maria and Chris.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for SAM KINNEY
January 11, 2011
Tony and Lisa I thought the world of your Mother , Brownie did too.. I always thought she was the most Beautiful person Inside and out. God Bless you all Opal Cotter Sanders
January 4, 2011
I am so very sorry. Ardi
December 30, 2010
Begin your Guest Book entry here.To Tony and Lisa your mom was the best and kindest person I knew when I was going up in the Riviera Appts. I know my mom and dad loved her also. Our prayers are with you and all of your family. If heaven could get any better - it just did on Dec 23rd. God bless you and all of your loved ones. Ric Piehl (son of Carl and Helen Piehl)
Joan (Silveria) Bowers
December 29, 2010
Selma will always hold a special place in our hearts. She was loving, kind, sweet, and funny. We will miss her!
December 29, 2010
I am so sorry for you loss. I worked with Sam in the Modesto Office. She was so funny & I loved hearing her stories. Know our thoughts are with your family. Karin Baldwin (Turlock)
Gary Magann
December 29, 2010
Dear Lisa, You know how much Sam meant to us here in Oakdale. We will miss her very much. We are honored to have her memorial here in Oakdale. Ann and Gary
December 29, 2010
Dear Tony and Lisa, So sorry for you loss.My earliest merories were you Mom's visits to Uncle Franks Her wonderful since of humor, you're in my prayers always. Jeff Walker in Tulare
GLINDA WALKER NICHOLS
December 28, 2010
TO ALL OF SELMA'S FAMILY,WE ARE ALL SO SORRY FOR SELMA PASSING. THE LAST TIME I GOT TO TALK TO HER WAS AFTER SONNY PASSED AWAY. YOUR MOTHER WAS A BEAUTIFUL WOMEN, INSIDE AN OUT. YOU ALL WILL BE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS IN THIS TIME OF SORROW. THE FAMILY OF OSA WALKER IN CORCORAN..GLINDA WALKER NICHOLSG
December 28, 2010
Tony, I am so sorry to hear about your loss... May she rest in peace....Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers during this time of sorrow..
Marilyn Rose
December 28, 2010
One of my best memories is the pleasure I had knowing and working with Sam. She was light in some dark days. Her always cheerful attitude, kindness, sense of perfect humor was present and always felt in a room. Knowing her was a gift.
December 28, 2010
I'm so sorry to hear about Sam's passing. I have such great memories of her loving ways and beautiful smile. You are all in my thoughts and prayers,
Laurie Evans Smith
Frank Russell
December 28, 2010
Dear Lisa, Tony & Cecelia, and all Sam's Family--
Your mother was a lovely charming lady who (as does her beautiful daughter) "lit up" every room into which she entered. Although I never knew her well, I was always impressed with how proud she was of her family. Lisa, I hope life has been good to you as you remain one of my all-time favorite "teacher's pets." Our thoughts and hearts are with you at this time. Frank'nJanie
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