Alexandra "Sammy" Greene Ogren

Alexandra "Sammy" Greene Ogren
Dancing with the Angels

A joyous reunion occurred as Sammy Greene Ogren left this earthly life to join her parents and many other family and friends after a tragic automobile accident last Sunday evening, May 20, 2012. Although we are devastated at our unexpected loss, we want to remember the life and vitality that was hers.

Sammy was a loved by many. She was born on August 19, 1946 in New York City, New York (Manhattan) to Alexander and Marion Greene. She was the youngest of three children, and the only daughter. Although her given name was Alexandra, her brothers dubbed her "Sammy" when she was young. Some say it was after the feisty cartoon character, "Yosemite Sam," who also had the red hair to match. It was the name we would all come to know and love her by. After her mother passed away when she was only nine, Sammy was raised by her father in Southern California. Later, she would meet and marry her sweetheart, James C. Ogren. They were married on April 9, 1994. She was a treasured addition to our family as a cherished sister (in-law) to Rhoda and Dick Zobell, Carla and Jerry James, and Douglas Ogren. Sammy also relished her role as "favorite aunt" to her nephews and nieces.

Sammy enjoyed adventures. She welcomed change and new challenges. For many years she owned several horses and participated in horse shows throughout the world. She enjoyed arena horse jumping and achieved many accolades for her involvement in barrel racing and mixed roping. Not only that, but she also worked in several different kinds of businesses from a furniture store, to a jewelry store, a St. George cafe, and even in the field of pharmaceuticals. Recently, Sammy enjoyed attending UVU sponsored Elder Quest classes, singing with the choir, as well as learning to play the organ.

Sammy had a big heart. She was generous to all, whether she knew them or not. Sammy donated to several charitable organizations and supported family and friends with both presence and presents. There was never a holiday or birthday that would pass without a card, flowers, or a gift sent by Aunt Sammy to express her love and support. Her ability to find the perfect (hilarious) card, and the sentiments she sweetly noted inside were unmatched. Likewise, Sammy rescued many animals and provided them love and only the best living quarters. Her latest "babes", Belle, Rosie, Tara, and Mollie will surely miss their "mommy" (as well as the daily dinner delights Sammy made sure to provide).

Sammy was fighter. Her courage, persistence, and positive attitude leave us with an example to emulate in the face of difficulty. Sammy answer to the question of how are you was "just dandy". She had a way of taking the lemons life gave her, and making lemonade.

Sammy leaves behind her husband, Jim, sisters-in-law, Rhoda (Dick) Zobell, Carla (Jerry) James, brother-in-law, Doug Ogren, several nieces and nephews, stepmother, Betty Greene, stepbrother, Michael Fisher, another nephew, David Greene, as well as countless friends. She has been welcomed home by her mother, father, brother, Chris Greene, and other cherished family and friends.

We invite you to remember this vivacious lady as we honor Sammy's life on Wednesday, May 30, 2012 at 11:00 am. This service will be held at the White Church (31 West Maple Street) in Mapleton, Utah. Family will also greet friends the evening before, May 29, from 6:00-8:00 at Wheeler Mortuary, 82 West 400 North, Mapleton and Wednesday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church prior to the services. Interment will take place at the Springville Evergreen Cemetery, 1997 South 400 East, Springville.

Certainly, we grieve, but with a joyous hope that she is finally free from her physical limitations so she can now dance with the angels. We celebrate the culmination and crowning achievement of her life - Sammy's Homegoing .

Condolences may be sent at www.wheelermortuary.com.