Samantha Carmona
Samantha “Sam” (Houston) Carmona was born “Bonnie June Lee”.
Our Sam died much too suddenly on Sunday, Nov. 30, 2008 in her home in Terrebonne, Ore. She had just turned 50 years old (though she always claimed never to feel a day of her age). Sam was born in Denver, Colo., on Nov. 4, 1958. Sam graduated from Lutheran High School in Denver.
Sam was a self-made woman. She lived life to its fullest without apologies. She never met a stranger, nor did she run from challenges - she was as generous as she was beautiful. Sam was a deeply spiritual woman who always managed to see the best in other people. Sam never met a soul in need that she wouldn’t help. Anyone who met Sam loved her right away. Her smile and laugh were infectious.
Sam loved learning new things and never shirked the opportunity to do so. Her tenacity to succeed at whatever she set her sights on was simply miraculous at times. Sam, though appearing tough at times on the outside, was a sensitive and hopeless romantic inside.
Her love for life was not limited to humanity. Her animals were her “children” and she always had a bundle of them. She especially loved her dogs, and had a special place in her heart for rescuing those in the most need.
She never gave up on anything. Sam was a survivor in every rite. Sam accomplished many things in her life, and nothing she accomplished was without sacrifice or hard work.
Her proudest moment was when she became the first female police officer in
Goldendale. Sam was brave and tenacious, and determined to be the best at anything she did. She was committed and loyal.
Sam loved God and loved life. She was an eternal optimist with a distinct vision for the future and all its possibilities. Sam proudly stood for what she believed in and could be quite stubborn at times. Sam was a fighter, a survivor, and a phenomenal friend.
Sam was engaged to be married to a wonderful man who loved her just as much as she loved him. She is survived by her fiancée Rod Rouse.
She is also survived by her mother Bonnie Lee from Colorado - a sister, Elizabeth Anne from Colorado, a sister, Rebekah “Becky” from Hawaii, and a brother George Jr.
She is also survived by numerous friends too numerous to list - both locally and from coast to coast. We will miss her dearly, and wish her nothing but peace. Namaste’
A private viewing was held at Autumn Funeral Home in Redmond, Ore., before the memorial service. Memorial service was held Dec. 9, at Redmond Assembly of God, 1865 W. Antler Ave., Redmond, Ore.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that financial donations for her funeral costs, cards, and letters may be sent to Rod Rouse, 19430 NW Smith Rock Way Terrebonne, OR 97760.
