Topeka-Leota L. Sampson, 92, passed away Wednesday, April 22, 2009 at Plaza West Nursing Home in Topeka, KS. She was born March 25, 1917 in Norton, KS, the daughter of DeRoy and Laura Swartz Richards. She graduated from Holton High School in May of 1935 and later graduated from Stewart's Beauty Academy in Topeka. She married Everett Wayne Sampson on May 31, 1935 in Platte City, NE. Wayne preceded her in death on February 24, 1993. Leota spent most of her life in the Holton community where she owned and operated Leota's Beauty Salon for 42 years before retiring in 1996. She was active in the Holton Business Women's Association and a member of the First Baptist Church. She is survived by two sons, Richard Kent Sampson and his wife, Gloria, of Ft. Collins, CO and William W. Sampson and his wife Linda, of Topeka, KS; seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Visitation with family and friends will be held at Mercer Funeral Home, Holton, KS on Monday, April 27, 2009 from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Graveside services will be held at the Holton Cemetery on Tuesday, April 28, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association c/o Mercer Funeral Home P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436.