Obituaries

Samuel M. Stauffer, 82

May 20, 1942 - April 22, 2025

Samuel M. Stauffer, 82, of Ronks, PA, passed away peacefully at Lancaster General Hospital on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. Sam shared 60 years of marriage with his wife Naomi J. (Prentice) Stauffer, who was by his side the very moment his soul ascended to Heaven.

Born May 20, 1942, in Lancaster, Sam was the youngest son of the late Henry and Marian (Feister) Stauffer. Sam graduated from Conestoga Valley High School, Class of 1960, where his classmates surrounded him with love and prayers, resulting in his decision to accept Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. The impact from this singular event has been generational.

During July of 1960, Sam enlisted in the US Navy, starting with an overseas tour in Naples, Italy. For most of his career, Sam was a recruiter in charge of the Lancaster Naval Reserve Center. There, he aided many people in joining the Navy, including his son and nephew. During this time, Sam earned degrees in counseling from Millersville State College. After 23 years of service, Sam ended his Navy Career as Command Master Chief.

Sam was also involved in the earliest days of Lancaster County tourism, co-managing and operating the Soudersburg Motel with his mother and brothers.

Sam was an active member of Calvary Church, serving as a deacon, volunteering on the benevolence committee and church directory, and always opening Sunday School with witty humor and song. Sam cherished his wife and family, consistently led by example, and was always of good character. He and Naomi hosted many foreign exchange students through the years. Recently, they have opened their home to travelers, offering them a warm and welcoming stay. Sam found joy in sharing his testimony with those around him.

In addition to his loving wife Naomi, Sam’s family includes their daughter Cheryl Benner, wife of Lamar, their son Tim Stauffer, husband of BethAnn (Potts), along with seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Sam was preceded in death by his parents and his four brothers: Henry, Kenneth, Sherman, and David Stauffer.

Sam’s life will be celebrated on Friday, May 9, 2025, at 11:00 at Calvary Church, 1051 Landis Valley Road, Lancaster, PA 17601 with the Rev. Steve Kilgore officiating. A viewing will take place at the church from 10:00 to 11:00. Interment with military honors will take place at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date.

Please omit flowers, and kindly consider a contribution in Sam’s memory to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306 or Tunnel to Towers Foundation

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Condolences to the Family

June 02, 2025

Naomi and family, we are so saddened to learn of Sam’s homegoing, only heard today. Our deepest and heartfelt sympathy is with you and your family. My mother could only speak the best about you and we thank you for all you did for her. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you as you have been going through this difficult time. Blessings 
Harold and Doris Musselman

June 02, 2025

Naomi, so sorry to hear of Sam’s homegoing. I only heard about it today. Our deepest and heartfelt sympathy is with you and your family at this difficult time. My mother could only speak of the very best for you and Sam and loved you dearly and all you did for her. Blessings and our love to you. Doris and Harold Musselman

May 29, 2025

Naomi and Family,
We were so sorry to hear of Sam’s passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Kathy and Tim Leaman

May 20, 2025

So very sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I served with Sam at the Naval Rserve Center in Lancaster 1976-1979. I have very fond memories of the time I served with him. 
Joe Strelecki

May 20, 2025

Naomi, my condolences and prayers to you, Cheryl, Tim and family. You and Sam were two of the first people I met at Pax River and had a very positive impact on my life and ministry – always supportive, always helpful and ready to serve. Sams wit and humor always kept us hopeful and looking forward.  Both you and Sam were always friends, and always welcoming. We know Sam is at peace in the presence of God. I pray that God’s strength and presence will surround you and your family in this time of grief. I pray that you will experience in dynamic ways the unwavering stability of Jesus the sure Anchor for your soul. Blessings!  Ben Bonnici

May 08, 2025

Uncle Sam was funny and kind. While I was living in the dorms at Nursing School, Aunt Nay and Uncle Sam would offer me rides to church and then take me to Mr Steak, and were always there if I needed anything. My heart goes out to Aunt Nay, Cheryl, Tim and family. Prayers for Gods comfort for you all. I’m sorry to miss but I cannot get out of work. 
Tina Morton

May 05, 2025

Ray and I send our blessings. Cannot attend service. Alta having hand surgery. She grew up in Her teenage years knowing Sam. Have many good memories about Sam. He came to see my parents after he accepted the Lord. Lots of great memories. Alta sent him flower boxes that my dad packed carnations in. Sent them to Italy. Lots of goodies from lancaster. Will miss him. His smile and his personality. 
Alta Scheurich

May 05, 2025

We are sorry we can’t attend service. Alta is having hand surgery this week. Alta was blessed to know Sammy while in High school.  He was a dear friend and have many memories  gods richest blessings to you Naomi in the upcoming mo this  love n prayers  😍🙏🙏
Alta Scheurich

May 05, 2025

There was no one who could make you smile better than Sam…how much fun we had traveling with them to Japan! He shined the love of Christ to all those around him…naturally and easily as the outpouring of the love Christ poured into him.  How tenderly we share your grief Nay…may God comfort you each moment of each day precious one.  Much LOVE and HUGS!!  Karen(Kuch) Coffey

May 05, 2025

To Naomi and the rest of the family. My Dear wife Ruth, children Leroy, Jason, Marvin, Sammy, Jefferey, Maria, Kayla, Jeremy treasure all the moments with Sam and Naomi. Sam started driving for us and Kings Roofing and siding about 2006 if not mistaken. What a Blessing Sam and Naomi were to us over the years. He was our go to for a driver until his car accident. That was a shock to us however does not compare to think his earthly presence will no more exist. Great friend, and counselor to me over the years. Introduced me to David Jeremiah and Vernon McGee and have been reading their books ever since. (thanks Sam) Many many conversations while traveling, about his walk with the Lord. Many many laughs we had. Trips our family remembers the most. Multiple times our cabin we were blessed with in Juniata county and our 2 week trip to Missouri to visit family and many other stops while we were out there. Other memories was at Christmas time for many years Sam and Naomi would bring every one something for Christmas. Very good memories. Sam was always in a positive mood to me. Even when I was not. Naomi and family hope you can find rest and piece until we meet again. Prayers to all of you.
Miss him Very Much
Gideon King

May 04, 2025

Sam was my favorite uncle! He was funny, caring and full of Godly wisdom. I lived with them for two summers in my college years. He helped me so much with advice and guidance. He will be sorely missed. Much love to Aunt Nay and the family. 
Trish Stillman

May 02, 2025

It was an honor to be his grandson. We had so many great memories and laughs together. See you soon. Grant Benner.

May 02, 2025

Sam was a close friend for over 45 years-Naomi as well. We had many times together. The Stauffer’s will always be remembered now and especially in heaven. Psalm 16:11 is the future!
George Duff

April 29, 2025

Sending all my love and support to the family Sam cherrished.  Sam was a special man and I am so lucky to have been a part of his circle. Im so grateful to have had so many good times and memories with Sam, Naomi and their family. I wish I could be there for you. Lois Foshay

April 29, 2025

Dear Naomi and family,
We were saddened by Sam’s passing.  Our comfort (and I’m sure yours too) however is to know that Sam is with Jesus and with friends that have gone before.  For all of us (temporarily) left behind, especially my cousin Naomi, may God bless and comfort you.  Love.  Bob & Cathy

Visitation
Friday, May 09, 2025
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Calvary Church
1051 Landis Valley Road
Lancaster, PA 17601
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Services
Friday, May 09, 2025
11:00 AM
Calvary Church
1051 Landis Valley Road
Lancaster, PA 17601
Map and Directions

Get Maps and Directions >
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