It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin, aunt, and friend, who took her final breath on May 27, 2025, at 2:20 PM in Iowa City, Iowa. She was 31 years old.

Born at 6:27 AM on January 8, 1994, in Denver, Colorado, she was raised in Andalusia, Illinois, and graduated from Rockridge High School in 2013. A vibrant soul with a fierce spirit, she lived a life full of love, strength, and courage.

She is preceded in death by her Grandma Linda Riegel, Grandpa Gary Alan Finley, Grandpa Arnie, and Uncle Brian.

Her memory lives on through her devoted parents, Kristina and Michael; her brother River, his partner Katalina, and their children Huckson and Cohen; and her sister Bethany and her children Jonathon and Ryelan.

She is also survived by her loving Grandma Donna Finley-Hofmann. Also, Grandparents, Larry and Diane Burke from California. Aunt Tonya; cousins Jessica and husband Dustin, and their children William, Lucas, and James; Brandon and daughter Zoey; Aunt Teresa and Uncle Blake; cousins Megan and husband Nick, and their children Korben and Finley; Ashley and fiancé Lucas and their children Payton, Jase, Pierce, and Sienna; Austin and children Joseph and Noah; and Casey Joe.

She leaves behind Aunt Tracy and Uncle Jay and their children Dylan and Austin. She is also mourned by other extended family members. Her honorary uncles, Uncle Mike and Uncle Chad, her honorary sister, E.D. Boddie, special friend, Ty Mayfield, and many other special friends. You know who you are. She loved you all.

Her beloved dog, Grout, and her cherished cat, Kamala, were constant companions and brought her comfort and joy.

Those who knew her will always remember her as a bright spark—funny, fierce, caring, intelligent, and beautiful. She had a deep love for concerts, fireworks, flowers, waterfalls, animals (especially cows), kayaking, fishing, movies, adventures, music, wine, roses, and Dr. Pepper. Above all else, she loved her family fiercely.

She was a proud survivor of POTS and a passionate advocate for those living with invisible illnesses. Though life gave her many challenges, she faced each one with unshakable resilience and grace. Despite living with chronic pain, she rarely complained and always fought to find joy in the everyday. She poured her love into her nephews, who were the light of her life. Her family will ensure they grow up knowing just how extraordinary she was.

To know her was to love her. And though our hearts ache with her absence, we choose to remember how she lived—not how she passed.

Rest now, our beautiful princess warrior. You are no longer in pain. Your legacy of love and strength lives on in all of us.

A visitation for Samantha will be held on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, from 4-7:00 PM at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory in Milan. There will be a memorial service on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at 10:00 AM at the funeral home. Following the service will be a procession to Andalusia Cemetery. There will be A Celebration of Life at Andalusia Community Center after the burial.