Samantha Sue DeBoard's Obituary
DeBoard, Samantha, age 24, of Columbus, Ohio passed away on October 25, 2021. She was born on November 5, 1996 in Newark, Ohio., to parents Jennifer (Ralph) Collins and paternal father Robert DeBoard Jr.. Samantha joins in death her grandfather Walter Collins and brother Jared Collins. She leaves behind her parents; son James Theodore Vanko; brother Robert DeBoard III, Jacob DeBoard and Russell DeBoard. grandmother Wanda Collins and many aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family members and friends.
Samantha graduated from Heath High School in 2015 and attended Rio Grande University her Freshmen year of college.
Sammy now dances in the heavens holding her loving brother Jared’s hand. We can all take comfort in knowing they are joined together again.
Samantha (Sammy) was always extremely outgoing, funny, and charismatic. Made everyone around her feel her vibrant energy and love for life. She had a laugh that echoed in walls long after she left rooms, she was the goofiest, feistiest head strong person you’d ever meet. She had a way of being the best person to ask for advice when you were struggling even when she was struggling herself. Sammy had a profound love for animals. She also leaves behind her beloved Golden Retriever Lilly.
Sammy lost so much during her addiction. She lost her chance to grieve her brother Jared correctly, her son James, lost the opportunity to know his beautiful Mother and most of all, she lost the chance to have a life of sobriety. As parents who have lost not one, but two children to addiction we ask that you put your ideologies that are taught by society aside and open your hearts and realize that what needs to be taught is compassion and love for other human beings. These men and women are dying at an alarming rate (93,000 in 2020) we need to extend our hearts and understand what’s going on before it reaches the next generation.
Addiction knows no demographic, neighborhood or creed. It does not and will not discriminate. It takes parents away from children, children away from parents and leaves brothers and sisters without their beloved sibling(s). Please, if you are struggling reach out for help. Do it now, don’t wait another minute because tomorrow may never come.
A celebration of life will be held in the coming weeks. We will be in contact with family and friends with all information.
What’s your fondest memory of Samantha?
What’s a lesson you learned from Samantha?
Share a story where Samantha's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Samantha you’ll never forget.
How did Samantha make you smile?