Ethel "Sam" F. Stills

Ethel “Sam” F. Stills, age 81, passed away Saturday, March 1, 2025, at her residence. She was born in Valentine, Nebraska, on September 6, 1943, the daughter of the late William and Edna (Nee: Logterman) Verduin.

Sam was deeply loved by all who knew her, regardless of the role she played in their lives. On July 1, 1978, Sam was united marriage to James Warner Rockwell Stills III. In addition to her husband, her warmth, generosity, and boundless spirit left an indelible mark on everyone she met. She passed away peacefully after a valiant five-year battle with Multiple Myeloma, surrounded by her family. Known for her indomitable spirit and strength, Sam’s presence will be profoundly missed by all who knew her.

Sam dedicated many years of her life to education as a high school teacher in Hamilton, Michigan, and a professor at Gateway Technical College in Racine, where her unwavering passion for teaching and inspiring others left a lasting impact on many. An avid golfer, Sam found joy and her competitive side on the greens. Her love for gardening was evident in the vibrant blooms and plants that adorned her yard and sunroom, a testament to her nurturing nature and dedication. Sam cherished the time spent playing mahjong with her friends. A proud and dedicated Packer’s fan, she never missed watching a game and wore her green and gold with pride. Sam was also a devoted and longtime member of Covenant Presbyterian Church, where her faith and dedication to her community shone brightly.

Above all, Sam’s greatest passion was her family. Her love for them knew no bounds, and she was their constant source of strength and unwavering support. Her courageous battle with Multiple Myeloma was marked by her incredible resilience and determination, and through it all, she continued to embrace life with grace, gratitude, and humor.

Sam was loved dearly and will be missed by her husband James; sons, James (Nicole) Stills and Aaron (Carrie) Stills; grandchildren, Desiree, Gage, Sophia, Marcellus, Macy, Eva, and Veda; three great-grandchildren; siblings, Linda Nysse, Barb (Gary) Peters, Bill Verduin; brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many dear friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother-in-law, David Nysse.

Sam leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and cherished memories. She touches the lives of many and will be remembered for her unconditional love and acceptance of everyone she met, embracing people of all backgrounds, races, and orientations with an open heart and kindness.

A Memorial Service celebrating Sam’s life will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 40 Ohio St., with Rev. Jenny Gleichauf officiating. Relatives and friends are welcome to meet with the family for visitation on Saturday at 10:00 am until the time of service at the church. Memorials to Health Care Network Inc. have been suggested by the family, as Sam spent many years volunteering there.