After a life well lived, Arvilla M. “Arvy” Sampson, 96, formerly of Hutchinson, died on January 26, 2025, in Lawrence. She was born July 7, 1928, in Manhattan, Kansas.
Arvy enjoyed a childhood full of adventure and fun in Manhattan, Kansas, where her father was a professor at Kansas State University. She graduated from Manhattan High School in 1946, then received her bachelor’s degree in medical technology from Kansas State University in 1950. At K-State, Arvy was very active in a number of clubs and honor societies. She was a member of Delta Delta Delta Sorority, selected by the Mortar Board National College Honor Society, and named in Who’s Who in American Universities and Colleges, among others.
It was at K-State that Arvy met Jack Sampson, her husband of 73 years, at a college dance. The two fell in love and married May 28, 1950, the day they graduated from college. Jack’s career in broadcasting took their family to Hays, Kansas; Kansas City; Oklahoma City; St. Louis; then Hutchinson, when they purchased KSKU-FM and The Bee. Arvy was co-owner of Sampson Communications, which included three radio stations, a printing business and a shopper newspaper.
Arvy spent her life pursuing her many passions, chief among them her family. She volunteered extensively in her community and church, focusing on supporting under-resourced families and children. At Northminster Presbyterian Church, then later New Covenant Presbyterian Church, she held several leadership roles, including deacon and head of missions. Her work to support people in need also extended beyond her community. She and Jack traveled the United States doing builds for Habitat for Humanity. In Hutchinson, she was a member of P.E.O. Chapter BY.
Arvy loved to travel, garden, read, do arts and crafts, spend time in nature and be with friends and family.
All who knew Arvy were warmed by her kindness, generosity, wisdom, joy and optimism.
Arvy is survived by her children, Cristy Bilhorn (John) of St. Louis, MO, Jack Richard “Rick” Sampson (Rita) of Phoenix, AZ, Teri Heft (Gordon) of Kansas City, MO, and Melissa “Micki” Chestnut (Rob) of Lawrence; 12 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Sampson, parents George Edwin and Pearl America (Moore) Johnson and her brother, Romaine Johnson.
Arvy’s Celebration of Life service will be 2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 22, 2025, at New Covenant Presbyterian Church, 700 E. 25th, Hutchinson. Private inurnment will take place in Sunset Cemetery, Manhattan.