Elaine Ina Sampson Rivas
Texas City – Elaine Ina Sampson Rivas
Elaine was born on November 26, 1933 in Wakefield Michigan, the daughter of William and Ina (Jacobson) Sampson.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Arnold Rivas, and son Ralph, her parents, sister Ruth Cox, brothers Eugene, Kenneth, Donald, sisters-in-law Vernie, Doris, Paulette, and her brother-in-laws Virgil Cox and Harold Aschenbrenner, and Gene LaCosse.
Survivors are her beloved son William (Billy), daughter-in-law Joann, grandchildren William Jr. (Carly), Jennifer (Vince), Matthew, JoBeth (Glenn), Natalie (Victor), Paige (Ryan), Liam (Tabitha), Daniel Trejo, Dare (Heather), Helen, Alaintha, great grandchildren Keanu, Amaris, Abbie, River, Sailor, Dominick, Eli, Phoenix, Jude, Elliott, Vanessa, Romeo, Anthony, Clarissa, Gavin, and Evan. Other survivors are her dear brother Robert Sampson, Shirley Aschenbrenner (Lenny), Karen LaCosse (Gene), along with numerous other relatives, friends, and her beloved dog Zeke.
Elaine graduated from Wakefield High School in 1951. After graduating she moved to Waukegan, Illinois and worked at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center. Elaine retired from the Corps of Engineers in Galveston, Texas.
Elaine met and married Arnold in 1952 in Waukegan. They made their home in Galveston, Texas City, and Hitchcock. They loved family gatherings, numerous trips, and visiting family, relatives, and friends. Elaine was a gifted artist and loved to paint. She also wrote poetry and had her poems published.
Elaine was a member of the Shepherd’s Fountain Church in Texas City. She also was a former member of Peace, Abiding Savior, and St. Paul’s Lutheran churches in Texas City, Hitchcock, and Galveston. Any donations can go to the Texas City Animal Shelter and special thanks to nurse Stacy and staff at Choice Hospice in Texas City.
There will be a Memorial Service in her honor Saturday, October 11, 2025, 3:00 PM, at Crowder Funeral Home Dickinson. Inurnment will be at Forest Park East, Webster at a later date.
God gained an awesome guardian angel. Her smiling face, Energy of a teenager, Love of God, life and country was awe inspiring. I will miss my sweet friend dearly. My condolences to all the family including her beloved Zeke. Prayers, love and strength to all her family and friends.
The world lost such a precious smiling face. Elaine was always ready to laugh, and she was always there to help whenever she could. We will miss her so much, but we are so glad that she’s with her loved ones who are already on the Other Side. God bless her family still here and her trusty Zeke.
I met Ms. Rivas as her hospice Social Worker. We hit it off immediately, her dog warmed up to me as well. Ms. Rivas was a beautiful person, content and positive. She always made me feel welcome into her home, even when she wasn’t feeling well. She loved God and spoke so highly of her family. I pray for comfort and peace for her family and that God will receive her into His loving arms.
My condolences to Elaine’s family.
You will be greatly missed-a wonderful neighbor and friend.
Rest in peace.
My sincere sympathy to Elaine’s family and Zeke. I met Elaine and Zeke at the Dog Park. I always enjoyed seeing both of them. Over the years, Elaine and I had many thought provoking conversations. Zeke would sit in my lap to give kisses. I will miss her.
Elaine, I am so deeply Honored to have known you and Arnold. Together, finally, you are. Now you can paint with Thomas Kinkade and show him your amazing skills. I will Love you always!
God Bless Elaine who is the Sweetest, Sincere and Loving person I’ve ever had the pleasure of living with you as a Mother In Law. I will always love and miss you.
I know you are now taking your breath with Jesus because you are such an Angel.
Blessings for the family.