Tomiko Samuel

Tomiko Yamamoto Samuel, 88, Merriam, Kansas passed away Thursday,
June 9, 2016. She was born March 31, 1928 in Sakata City, Japan to
Issen and Hatsuko Yamamoto. Her mother passed away when she was 12
years old so she had to help raise her younger sister and brother.
While in high school American missionaries came to Sakata City to hold
tent meetings. She went there after school with her little brother and
sister. It was then that she gave her life to Jesus Christ and became
a born-again Christian. After high school she became a substitute math
teacher. She loved to dance and belong to a Japanese dance group.
There she met an American soldier name Roy Samuel. They were married
in 1951 and soon their first child, Roy Samuel III was born. It was
very difficult for her to leave her family (Oh, but the things we do
for love). After coming to America, three more children were born -
Dorothy, David, and Little Bobby.
She was very proud of her Japanese
heritage and wore her kimono to each of her children's classrooms and
spoke to their classmates about her home country and it's customs. After being a
stay-at-home mom for many years she went to work at Sharon Lane
Nursing Home as a cook and soon became head cook. Her father passed away before
she was ever able to return to Japan. She did return several times
after that to visit with her family and friends. Tomiko went to an all
girls school and when she would return to Japan they would have class
reunions just for her. After retiring at age 62 she enrolled in
Johnson County Community College to improve her knowledge of the
English language (Oh well, she tried). She enjoyed her retirement with
many Japanese friends, playing Mah-Jongg, going to luncheons in
restaurants and each other's homes and also Japanese church. Tomi, as
she was known to her American friends also cherish times with her
wonderful neighbors who looked after her very well as she aged. But
her most precious times were spent with her family whom she loved with
all her heart and showed it daily. She lived her life as an example of
a Christlike nature. She always treated others with kindness and
respect. And always showed them love. She taught her children to love
and forgive unconditionally.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 50 years Roy Samuel,
her son David Lee Samuel, and her son-in-law Rich Funk.
She is survived by her oldest son Roy III, Dorothy Funk and
Little Bobby, 6 grandchildren - Anna Tomiko Samuel Roth and her husband
Jason, Jesse and his wife Alyssa, Jason and his wife Heather, Emily
and Josh Funk, and David Lee Samuel ll and his wife Heather, one
step-grand daughter, Heather Northcutt-Bankston, 10 great
grandchildren, Finley Samuel Roth, Brooklyn, Liam, And Roc Funk, Emry,
Asher and Avey Funk, Marcus and Madie Grigsby and Zander Samuel.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Dwelling Place Ministries, 11011 Olive St
Kansas City, MO 64131 or New City Church, 7456 Nieman Rd, Shawnee, KS 66203




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