Samantha Jolene Ferris

Samantha "Buff" Jolene Ferris, 51, of Fort Washakie, Wyoming, died on November 1, 2024 in Fort Collins, Colorado. A Visitation will begin 6:00pm, Friday, November 8, 2024 in the Rocky Mountain Hall, Fort Washakie, Wyoming. The All Night Wake will then be in the family  home beginning after the Rocky Mountain Hall. The Funeral Service will be 11:00am, Saturday, November 9, 2024 in the Rocky Mountain Hall. Burial will follow in the Sacajawea Cemetery, Fort Washakie, Wyoming.

In the early morning hours surrounded by her family, Samantha Jolene Ferris began her journey to the spirit world at the Poudre Valley Health Center in Fort Collins, CO. She was born in Lander, WY to Donald Raymond Ferris Sr. and Carol Ferris (Snyder) on January 17, 1973. From that day forward she was a force to be reckoned with, her humor and ability to terrorize was like no other. She had one brother who was the recipient of many of her pranks and shenanigans. But as you all know, she would enjoy terrorizing anyone she could if given the chance.

Sammie Jo attended Elementary and Middle School at Fort Washakie, then graduated from Wyoming Indian High School in 1991. She attended college in Billings, MT for a short period of time, studying Business. She was employed by numerous entities including the Shoshone Business Council, Wind River Tribal Youth Program and her recent employment with Shoshone Credit. Sammie Jo lived much of her life on the Wind River Indian Reservation and lived in Denver, CO for a period.

Sammie had the ability to make friends no matter where she went and always left a lasting impression. That was one of her most powerful traits, to be who you are no matter what. She was the type of person who was ten toes down for you and loved you unconditionally, someone you could rely on and to feel supported by. Someone who reminded you not to give up in this world but to remember to have fun in this life too.

Sammie Jo was full of life and laughter. She started the day with her "Hooker breakfast" 1-2 cups of coffee with her cigarette. Her favorite food was pizza, and her favorite drink was V8 juice. She enjoyed taking Denver trips with her Partner Jess, as he showed her places he enjoyed while living there. They enjoyed concerts and spent majority of their time together doing everything. They would take long drives to enjoy the beautiful scenery of nature, jamming out to Sammie's favorite 80's rock music. She would terrorize her Partner by talking about how much better Raiders were than the Broncos which was his favorite team. She enjoyed watching the series CSI daily, "Mom", the classic Sanford & Son from the 70's and her favorite movie the Secondhand Lion.

Sammie Jo was a passionate Dart player and won many awards for her precision. She enjoyed spending nights out with friends/family, taking in the good vibes and best moments of life. She also enjoyed bowling in her younger years and enjoyed going to the casino. She was her Grandpa Finn Snyders favorite chauffeur, and they would gamble all night at the Shoshone Rose Casino.

Sammie Jo also participated in Spiritual Ceremonies such as Powwows, Sundance and Sweat Lodges. As this was something she held close to her heart, to have spiritual strength for yourself in this world. She was the type of person to tell you to pray about whatever it was that bothered you, that there are ceremonies for us to heal us. To make you remember that our ancestors are watching over us. She would share deep wisdom about what her grandparents and uncles had taught her about our ceremonies. How to respect our ways and to not abuse this way of life. This is the way she would want you to remember.

Sammie Jo is survived by her mother, Carol Ferris, companion Jess Yellow Cloud, Adopted Son: Gerald Yellow Cloud. Adopted Parents: Dick and Shine Tidzump.  Brothers: Don (Kim) Ferris, Dakota (Lazara) Snyder, Jordan Dresser, Herman Ferris Jr., Travis Thayer, Kevin (Sherry) Ferris , Wayland Large, David (Tammy) Snyder, Wilfred Ferris III.  Sisters:  Latonna Snyder, Kateri Dresser, Sami Dresser, Liz Salway, Donna (Dwight) Ferris, Barbara (Rich) Mireau,Michelle (John) Friday, Deanna and Jessica Ferris, Johanna (Ian) Smith. Grandparents: Doris Miller, Anita Felter, Belverda (Bea) Snyder. Uncles: David (Kay) Ferris Sr., Darrell (Delphine) Ferris, Meldon (Reva) Hill Sr., Wesley (Robin) Martel, Franklin (Bernelle) Martel, Ronnie (Joette) Armour, Bill (Rickina) Armour, Aunts: Kathy (Sam) Dresser, Karen Snyder, Sharon Bell, Connie Vigil, Radonna Bell, Judy Large, Emily Niedo, Naomi Johnson, Kathryn (Ferris) Lone Fight, Alice Ferris, Joanie MillDena (Brett) Russo, Annette (Bill) Velarde . Special Nephews/sons: Cordel Snyder, Luke Tidzump, Kaiden Mannie, TJ Johnson, Josh, Owen, Clifford and Rainstorm Anderson, Bo and Levi Salway, Owie St. Clair, Will (Lianna) Hill.  Special Nieces/daughters: Sierra Ferris and Noah, Rena and Cheyenne Medicine Top, Taylee Dresser, Heaven-Leigh and Madison Johnson, Kadence Dresser and Ryalene Aragon, Leta (Truman) Trosper, Courtney Hill, Sammi (Doobie) Ware.  Grandchildren: Jase Snyder, Ozzy and Xenniah (Honey) Jimmerson-Snyder, Omaya Messerly, Misun McAdams. Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins of Snyder, Ferris, Hill, Hereford, Tillman, Felter, St. Clair, Chavez, Jorgenson, Shoyo, Yellow Cloud, LaJeunesse, Enos, Martel, Armour and Enos families.  We apologize to anyone that we may have missed as Buff had many relatives and friends.

Sammie Jo was preceded in death by her dad, Raymond (Raisins) Ferris, daughter, nephew/son Darien Ferris, niece/daughter Kianna Mannie. Maternal Grandparents: Finn and Charlene Snyder. Paternal Grandparents: Wilford Ferris, Sr. and Rose (St. Clair) Ruleau, Gladys Hill, Edgar (Pansy) St. Clair, Wallace (Winnie) St. Clair, Herman (Daisy) St. Clair. Sisters: Susie Snyder, Sharon Snyder. Uncles: Darwin St. Clair, Richard (Dickey) Ferris, Wilfred Ferris Jr., Herman Ferris Sr., Samuel (Sam) Snyder, Edwin St. Clair, Leland St. Clair, Vernon Hill, Harrison (Bunnie) Shoyo Jr., Mike LaJeunesse and Loydene Hill.  Aunts: Tarrita Jorgenson, Virginia Ferris, Julie Miller. Brothers: Bruce and Julius LaJeunesse, Lyle Salway.

Please sign the online guestbook: hudsonsfh.com