The Superior Express -

Ila “Lou” Sams was born July 29, 1931, in Davenport, to Adolph and Helen (Isch) Heinrichs. She completed her schooling and graduated from high school at the age of 16. She moved to Lincoln, Nebraska, to attend a clerical school during which time she worked weekends as a telephone operator. After completing these courses, the family moved to Henryetta, Oklahoma, in 1949. Her father opened a restaurant and this is where she met Ray Sams. They married on Jan. 20, 1951. They were blessed with three children: Larry, Becky and Mary.

Once her children were in school, she went to work as a med...