Ralph C. Samson, 81, Linn, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, at Stonebridge Adams Street Place, in Jefferson City.
He was born on Feb. 26, 1945, to the late Charles J. and Carella Marie (Franken) Samson in El Reno, Okla.
He was united in marriage to Mary Baumann on Dec. 26, 1970, at St. Martin’s Catholic Church.
After graduating from Linn High School, Ralph began his working years as a hog farmer. He later went to work for the Jefferson City Correctional Center, where he spent approximately 12 years as a corrections officer before eventually finishing his career as a delivery driver for Hometown Hardware.
Ralph was a man who enjoyed the simple things in life, especially when they could be shared with the people he loved. He enjoyed hunting, but some of his favorite times were spent hunting alongside his grandchildren or taking them fishing. He also enjoyed spending time in his garden or just sitting down for a good game of cards, especially a game of Preference.
Ralph was good with his hands and rarely afraid to tackle a project himself. A true “jack of all trades and master of none,” he could build, fix, repair, or figure out just about anything he set his mind to. He even built his own home and later took on the work of remodeling it. Ralph believed in working hard and doing things for yourself, and his strong work ethic was something he carried with him throughout his entire life.
Those who knew Ralph knew there were many sides to him. He was kind and loving, but he could also be stern when the occasion called for it and every now and then, he could be a bit ornery. That was simply Ralph. He was hardworking, capable, strong-willed and deeply devoted to the people who mattered most to him.
Above all, Ralph loved his family, and he was deeply loved in return. His children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were an important part of his life, and the memories they made together will remain a lasting part of his legacy. The lessons he taught, the things he built with his own two hands, the stories shared on hunting and fishing trips, and the love he gave his family will continue to live on through each of them.
Ralph was preceded in death by parents, Charles and Carella; daughter, Jeanette Balliz; and sisters, Arlene and Rita Samson.
He is survived by loving wife of 55 years, Mary; children, John Samson and wife Janice of Taos and Monica Duncan and husband James of Iberia; son-in-law, Karim Balliz of Jefferson City; brother, Roger Samson and wife Carol ; sisters, Sarah Koenigsfeld and husband George and Mary Gabelsberger and husband David; grandchildren, Brooke Peppel and husband Lakota, Bryson Samson, Hunter Duncan and wife Kassidy, Jacy Duncan and friend Ethan Butler and Kyle Duncan; and great-grandchildren, Bucklee, Quincy, Sophie, Henry and Karlee.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, Sept. 12, at St. George Catholic Church, with Rev. Colin Franklin officiating.
Graveside services and interment were in St. George Parish Cemetery.
Memorial contributions suggested to the family.
Funeral arrangements entrustesd to Morton Chapel.
