Helen VanDeren Sams passed away on May 23, 2017 surrounded by family and friend Viola Ritchie. Helen was born on September 30, 1940 to Edward Yancey and Sara Newton (Taylor) VanDeren.

She attended Connersville grade school and graduated from Harrison Co High School. Helen later graduated from Georgetown College and earned an advanced degree from the University of Kentucky. She taught elementary classes for many years and then acquired a degree in speech pathology. She was the first speech teacher in Harrison Co and helped countless students.

Helen later married Ed Sams from Scott Co. She moved to the Midway area to raise tobacco and cattle with Ed. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and sister’s Yancey Robertson and Billee Taylor Mulligan and niece Julie Mulligan.

Helen is survived by sisters Peggy Gray (Julian), Cynthiana and Wiley Rice (Phil), Syracuse, NY. She is also survived by nine nieces and nephews that loved her dearly.
Russell Gray (Robin), Kay Conner (Wayne), Medearis Robertson, Susan Hess (Cecil), Doug Rice (Geraldine), Stephen Rice (Jennifer)Vickie Groft (John), Cindy Chadwick (Kyle) and John Robertson (Rachel).

Helen devoted a great deal of time and effort in exposing all of us to the world of education, literature, music and cultural events. She was truly a “Renaissance Woman” and very much a “Free Spirit. She gave us all a little bit of class and culture whether we wanted it or not.
The family would like to express a deep gratitude to Viola Ritchie and her family. Viola was devoted to Helen’s every need for well over a year and for that we are truly thankful.
We would also like to thank Cedar Ridge Health Campus staff and Hospice of the Bluegrass for their great care to assist Helen in her final chapter of life.

There will be a private family service at the Jacksonville Cemetery and a celebration of her life at a later date. Donations can be made in honor of Helen to Hospice of the Bluegrass, Cynthiana, KY; KET 620 W Main St Ste 125, Louisville, KY 40202 and the Arthritis Foundation Kentucky Chapter 2908 Brownsboro Rd Ste 117, Louisville, KY 40206.

Provide comfort for the family by planting a tree in memory of Helen VanDeren Sams, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.