Olga DeLeon (Samples) Baranek

Olga DeLeon (Samples) Baranek passed peacefully in the arms of her son and in the company of her Goddaughter Lizbeth Luna and other loved ones on September 21st, 2023 at Sunnyside Hospital in Clackamas, Oregon.

Olga was born on December 1st, 1943, in San Antonio, County of Bexar, Texas and was the first child of Jose (Joe) C. DeLeon and Lydia F. DeLeon. During her childhood Olga enjoyed going to see her aunts and uncles. During these visits she loved listening to the stories that each one shared of their life experiences. Olga attended schools in San Antonio and graduated at the top of her class in 1961 from San Antonio Vocational and Technical High School. Upon graduating from high school Olga sought employment as a bookkeeper for local businesses, which ultimately led to her career. In May of 1966, Olga began her career working for the U.S. Army at Fort Ord which included positions from a general pay clerk, accounting and culminating as the Budget Analyst for the 7th Infantry Division. Olga ascended to this prestigious position without a formal education but with determination and willingness to attend any training offered by her employer and at a time when very few women obtained these positions. Her career spanned 27 years when she retired due to the closure of the Base.

In 1965, Olga met the love of her life Carmon Odell Samples, Sr., who she called "Sam" short for Samples. On May 24th, 1965, they married in San Antonio, TX. Not long after their marriage, they journeyed west to California, specifically Salinas, CA, which Sam had become familiar with during his Basic Training at Fort Ord. After a year Olga gave birth to her only child Glenn Anthony Samples in February 1966. Salinas and later Prunedale became their communities where Olga became involved with Glenn's schools and his activities, while supporting Sam as he pursued his community activities. Olga became infamous within both Sam and Glenn's social groups for her cooking abilities; which many remember to this day, saying things such as; "I loved Olga's Mexican Food.", "If I spend the night will your mom make her biscuits and gravy for breakfast?", "Let me know when your mom is canning her hot sauce, because I want some." and, "Will your mom be canning jams this year?".

After living nearly 30 years in California, with both Olga and Sam having achieved retirement, they decided to relocate to a small community just outside San Antonio, TX in a town called Poteet. (Poteet by the way is the hometown of George Strait. And according to Olga's accounts Sam had met George and knew on him on a first name basis.) Being in Poteet allowed Olga to be closer to her parents and siblings. They remained in Poteet for approximately 3 years, after which they decided Prunedale was their home and returned in 1996. Olga enjoyed her life with Sam in Prunedale until his passing in 2003.

Olga remained in Prunedale and eventually met John Baranek through a family member in Indiana. They decided to build a life together and John moved to Prunedale. Olga and John remained in Prunedale until the Spring of 2012, at which time they moved north to Oregon City, Oregon. Here they began a new life together and in August of 2013 they were married. While in Oregon City, Olga became involved with a local church and the VFW Ladies Auxiliary. More importantly this moved allowed Olga to be more involved with some of her granddaughters and great-grandsons. The Northwest weather and health issues limited Olga's ability to be as active with the community and organizations compared to her life in Prunedale. However, through the VFW Women's Auxiliary, Olga was able to participate and enjoy her creative hobbies of sewing, crocheting and knitting.

Olga is survived by her son Glenn Samples, (Oregon City) and her Step-Children Carmon Samples, Jr. Maricopa, Dwyane (Erin) Samples Hollister, Vivian Samples Enid, Rex (Debbie) Samples Canby and Kathy (Phil) Soto Enid. Linda DeLeon (sister-in-law) and numerous nieces and nephews. Olga was blessed with 16 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

Family that preceded Olga in death include her parents Joe C. DeLeon (2002) and Lydia F. DeLeon (2012), Husband Carmon O. Samples, Sr. (2003), Brother Joseph A. DeLeon (1994), Sister Lilly A. DeLeon (2010), Brother Christopher DeLeon (2014), Brother Martin R. DeLeon (2015), Husband John A. P. Baranek (2022) and Brother Matthew S. DeLeon (2023)

There will a Celebration of Life for Olga on Saturday October 7th at the Bethany Evangelical Free Church, 450 S. Ivy St., Canby, OR 97013 from 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers and plants, please donate to either St. Jude's Children Hospital or Shriner's Children's Hospital.