Ethel 'Sam' Loudermilk

Ethel “Sam” Loudermilk, of Norman, Oklahoma was finally reunited with the love or her life on April 5, 2022 at the age of 77, after a short battle with lung cancer.  Her beloved husband of 50 years, Jimmie, went to be with the Lord in 2011.  Sam was never much of a clock watcher, often late to most appointments; certainly the love of her life was patiently waiting.

Sam was preceded in death by her parents, James and Irene Melton; brother, Curtis; and sister, Carolyn.  Having a deep sense of family, she never stopped mourning their loss. 

Sam is survived by two siblings, Scheri Maldonado and Robert Melton; children, Pamela Smith of St. Augustine, FL, Catherine and Vic Davison of Norman, OK, Mark and Cynthia Loudermilk of Chester, NY; grandchildren, Emilio Davison, Blake Damery, Soraya Davison, Leanna Davison, and Vladie Loudermilk; and multiple nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Sam was born March 31, 1945, to parents James and Irene Melton in Hot Springs, Arkansas, the third of five children.  The Meltons raised their children in Arkansas, New Mexico, and California, where Sam described happy memories of playing on the beaches of Goleta.  

Sam graduated Banning High School in Wilmington, CA, and completed her BS in Nursing shortly thereafter.  She met and married Jimmie Loudermilk in 1961, shared 50 years of marriage together, and raised three children. 

Sam was a born caregiver, first caring for various pets as a child, then her husband, children, and grandchildren.  She worked as a registered nurse in California in hospitals and doctors’ offices.  Even after retirement, she happily functioned as a medical advocate for friends and families, when the need arose.  

She was a master gardener and landscaper; if she planted a rock, most likely a beautiful plant would emerge with her tender loving care.  Current technology was a challenge; her grandchildren happily provided guidance with her phone and social media.

Sam was very musical, played the violin and guitar as a child, and later played the piano and organ in church.  Her love of music started early; in school, she could often be found singing “oldies” with her friends, perfecting the harmonies.  She loved all things music from the fifties and sixties, classic country, classical, hymns and gospel.  Many holiday meal preparations were stopped when a favored song played; she grabbed a hand and danced in the kitchen.  

Sam was a loving mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend.  Her family will miss her tremendously, although we take comfort in knowing she is in the arms of our Lord, reunited at last with her husband, family, and friends.