Obituary - Sampsel J. "Sam" Bitz

Sampsel J. "Sam" Bitz of Emmett, Idaho, 75, died Saturday afternoon, May 6, 2017, with his wife and step-daughter by his side at the Valor Health Hospital in Emmett after a long illness.

Born November 24, 1941, to Henry H. Jr. and Wilma Bitz in Havre, Montana, he lived and attended school in Box Elder, Montana, while ranching with his family. He attended and graduated from Havre High School and took some college courses in Havre.

When he was grown, he moved to Havre and started "the Big Red Barn," a business buying and selling big equipment and farming equipment. After his father died, Sam returned to the ranch and became a well-known organic farmer. He was also known for his great historian research. He had to retire and lease out the farmland when he became ill in 2011 and was no longer able to work.

Sam was a kind and generous man who that loved his children, stepchildren, grandchildren and great-grandchildren very much.

In addition to his wife, Margaret, he is survived by a son, David Stroh of California; three daughters, Audrey of Texarkana, Dawn of Montana, and Debbie of Hawaii; three stepsons, Elton (Stacy) Crawford of Oregon, Shawn (Christine) Crawford of Boise and Chris (Lisa) Crawford of Meridian; a stepdaughter, Brandi (Dishawn) Walker of Emmett; and a sister, Nioma Bitz Jolin, address unknown. He also leaves 15 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Henry H. Jr. and Wilma Bitz; late wife, Rose M. Bitz; and his brother, Galen Bitz.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 20, 2017 at the Agape Christian Worship Center at 1001 S. Orchard St. Boise, ID 83705.

For those sending flowers please give Margaret Bitz's phone number as they require a number.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Sam's memorial webpage at http://www.summersfuneral.com.