Samantha Hess

Samantha Jane Hess, 81, of Weatherford Texas, succumbed to cancer in a hospice on Good Friday, April 3, 2026. Samantha was born Stella Louise Arnold, the youngest of five children, to Cecil Clifford Arnold and Leona Dell Wallace Arnold in Oklahoma City OK on February 25, 1945. She later changed her legal name to Samantha Jane, as she was known to most people. Stella's early life was struck by tragedy when her mother died before she reached school-age. Her father never recovered from the loss of his beloved wife, even unto his death. Her young life was unstable until she was accepted into the now closed Mabel Bassett Home for Girls in Oklahoma City at age 13. It was during this time that she fell in love with butterflies and learned to read music and play piano. As a teen, Stella enjoyed serving in the church choir, utilizing her talents in both singing and playing the piano. As a young adult, Samantha could be found belting out Country and Western favorites on Open Mic Night. She also enjoyed bowling and billiards, often winning top prizes in tournaments. She was a lifelong cruciverbalist, even unto her final days. Samantha Jane loved butterflies, Jesus, and the USA. After retiring from home healthcare, she eventually settled in Weatherford TX, where she found golden friendships. She was known as the most computer-savvy person in her community and often helped friends research information online. Samantha Jane was preceded in passing-over by her oldest sister Gloria (Arnold) McBride, older brother Clifford Arnold, oldest son Jack Rhoten Jr, and grandchild Michael Herrell. She is survived by her oldest brother Calvin Arnold and older sister Delpha (Arnold) Copley; four of five children, Twyla (Hembree) Duran, Treasur (Hembree) Rollins, Robyn (Hembree) Herrell, and Christopher Rhoten; six of seven grandchildren, Elijah Duran, Tiearra (Newport) Burbee, Joshua Newport, Stephen Herrell, Kaitlin Rhoten, and Austen Rhoten; and eight great-grandchildren, Dominic Duran, Abigail Duran, Drake Burbee, Taylor Burbee, Daegon Burbee, Everett Newport, Jenson Newport, and Beckham Newport. Those who will miss her dearly include her oldest daughter and the senior community in which she was a vibrant part. Two private celebrations of Samantha Jane's life were held, 'Last High Tea,' one by her friends in Weatherford TX, and the other for family in Moore OK. Gifts may be made in her name to Cal Farley's Boys Ranch at https://www.calfarley.org/

Samantha Hess

February 25, 1945 - April 3, 2026