Michael Pence SAMUEL

Michael Pence Samuel, born July 4, 1943, in South Bend, Indiana, passed on October 26, 2025.

He is survived by brothers, Thomas Samuel and James Samuel; sister-in-law, Ruthie Samuel; daughters, Marylynn Williams, Susan Ticen, Tammy Zmarlak, and Sheila Trudeau; and son, David States. Also, grandchildren, Alicia Hass, Jessica Williams, Sandy Schadler-Owens, Mitchel Hanson, Michelle Hanson, Theresa Salsbury, Jessica Wallace, Zackery Zmarlak, Andrew Zmarlak, Matthew Zmarlak, Trevor Zmarlak, Dylan Trudeau, and Alaina Trudeau; and great-grandchildren, Xavier, Kyley and Shayla Schwendt, Ava, Madison, Damon, Kyler and Adine Haas, Cameron Hanson, Caitlyn and Sean Owens, Josiah, River and Sawyer Hanson, Dylan Hudtson, Elizabeth, Samantha and Alexander Salsbury Daphne Wallace, Izzy, Hans and Olive Zmarlak, and Louise Trudeau; as well as, nieces and nephews, Jessica Ellis, Erica Samuel, Doug Samuel and Steve Samuel.

Michael was born in South Bend, Indiana, to Bud and Lois Samuel. He was the middle child of three boys who were known to be favorites of the community they lived in. He was a kind and giving person who always wanted to be helpful to others. He took this into his adulthood by serving in Vietnam, becoming a Deacon in the Catholic Church, and later in life as a Drug and Alcohol counselor in Prisons in Washington State. He and his departed wife of over 30 years, Joanne Samuel, ran Beginning Experience for the divorced, separated, and widowed for many years in and around the Spokane area. His dedication to others was one rooted in his strong faith and belief in God. He always believed in helping others when they were at their worst, not for recognition but for the pure heart and passion he had for others. He never knew a stranger. For those of us who were lucky enough to be in his world, were able to see the many lives he touched. Whether it was a passing smile or through his counsel, it was a pleasure just being a part of it all. The world lost a beautiful light, and it will be a little darker because of it.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Thomas More Catholic Church (505 W. St. Thomas More Way, 99208) on Saturday, November 15, at 11:00 AM.