Jimmie Lee Beck, Sr.

Sam & Patty Schaunaman

Patricia Ann "Patty" Camp Schaunaman passed away peacefully on October 4th, 2026, at the age of 76 following a 14-year Parkinson journey. The beloved wife of George Samuel "Sam" Schaunaman II for 51 years. Sam and Patty weren't apart for long. Just four days later, Sam passed away unexpectedly on October 8th, 2026, at the age of 78. Both of Tulsa, OK.

Patty was born November 11, 1949, to Dorothy Louise Bloom Camp and Donald Alfred Camp in Watertown, South Dakota, where she lived until her high school graduation.

Sam was born July 17, 1948, to Ellen Rose Rissky Schaunaman and Lieutenant Colonel George Samuel Schaunaman in Aberdeen, South Dakota. He spent his childhood moving around the country with his Air Force family graduating high school in Wiesbaden, Germany, before eventually attending the University of South Dakota.

Their meeting at the University of South Dakota marked the beginning of a lifelong partnership. Patty was studying Elementary Education, while Sam pursued his undergraduate degree in Political Science with a minor in Journalism, later earning a Juris Doctor degree from the University of South Dakota. Their friendship soon grew into love, and they were married on July 5, 1975.

Sam's career as an oil and gas attorney with Cities Service brought the couple to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where they put down roots and built a life filled with faith, family, and love. They welcomed their daughter Stephanie, followed by twin sons, Brian Samuel and Alan Donald. Though the boys passed away shortly after birth, they remained forever a part of the family and were always held close in their parents' hearts. Later, Megan joined the family, adding even more happiness and love to their lives.

Patty found joy in life's simple pleasures. Spending time outdoors perfecting her flowerbeds, gathering with her regular bunco group, and tackling every project with enthusiasm and determination. There was rarely a task she wouldn't take on and approached each one with a willing heart. She generously devoted countless hours to her daughters' schools and activities, always eager to lend a helping hand. Whether through her volunteer work or quiet acts of service, Patty left a lasting impact wherever she went. One example was the school carnival games she lovingly painted, which continued to bring joy to children for many years beyond their original use. Patty's passion for education was evident throughout her life. She taught elementary school at St. Pius and later taught preschool at St. Bernard's Catholic Church. Even in her volunteer roles, education remained at the heart of all she did as it brought her great purpose and joy. Above all, Patty was the heart of her family. She was the soft landing after a hard day, giving grace and a space to share. She loved unconditionally and consistently demonstrated the qualities that defined her life: kindness, humility, faithfulness, patience and grace.

Sam Schaunaman never met a stranger. He arrived at the University of South Dakota with one trunk and no friends and left knowing everyone. He became involved in student government, made lifelong friendships, joined the honorary service organization, The Dakotans, and developed that gift for conversation that served him the rest of his life. Sam could easily strike up a conversation with anyone and had an uncanny ability to share not only a relevant, but interesting story from Sam's own life. Sam was especially thrilled when he could expound on some of his favorite sports team, as he was a life-long Dodgers fan and a proud Oklahoma Sooners fan. It was through these conversations that Sam found true connection and community. As a member of the church softball team, Sam enjoyed many hats beyond that of player and made many fond memories both on and off the field. He greatly enjoyed Knights of Columbus meetings and his weekly HealthZone meet-up with friends, which was as much about friendship as it was about health and wellness. During Sam's over 40-year career as a successful attorney, two professional achievements stood out as particular moments of pride. In 1989, Sam was part of the legal team which argued the United States Supreme Court case Cotton Petroleum Corp vs. New Mexico, which resulted in a landmark decision regarding state taxation and tribal sovereignty. Then, in 2018 he was awarded the Unclaimed Property Professionals Organization's (UPPO) Super Nova Award, which is the national organization's highest honor, typically reserved for someone upon their retirement after many years of service. Per the award, Sam became a "household name" within the organization and was a valuable member of many committees; his passion for the law was instrumental in monitoring important legal cases and ensuring important case law was updated within their database. He was a respected mentor to many in the UPPO organization. But without a doubt, Sam's greatest accomplishment was not professional, but personal. His love for and devotion to his family were at the center of his life. No work commitment was ever important enough to keep him from attending his daughters and grandchildrens' activities, performances, or sporting events. Of the many stories he shared throughout his life, those about his daughters and grandchildren brought him the greatest joy.

Throughout their more than 50 years of marriage, it was often Sam and Patty's differences that made their partnership work so beautifully. Sam was the storyteller, while Patty was the steady foundation. He was the thinker; she was the doer. Together, they complemented one another perfectly and were undoubtedly stronger as a team. While their differences created a loving balance in their marriage, they were united in even greater ways. Their deep devotion to family and Catholic faith were at the heart of their life together. They found tremendous joy in the community of lifelong friends they built at St. Bernard of Clairvaux Parish and treasured their favorite roles as Grammy and Grampy to Jacob, Ainsley, Caroline, and Sam. They were their grandchildrens' biggest cheerleaders, never missing a dance recital, magic show, basketball, soccer, volleyball, softball or baseball game. Whatever the occasion, Patty and Sam could be found in the front row, offering unwavering encouragement and support.

Patty and Sam are lovingly survived by their daughters and sons-in-law Stephanie and Jason Schad and Megan and Jason Neely; and by their cherished grandchildren Jacob Schad, Ainsley Schad, Caroline Neely, Sam Neely, all of Tulsa, OK. Patty is also survived by her sisters and brothers-in-law, Karen and John Storsteen of Watertown, SD, and Carol and Tim Magee of Helena, MT. Sam is survived by his siblings and in-laws, Phyllis Thompson of Loudon, TN; Joanne and Wayne Neuharth of Oklahoma City, OK; and David Anton Schaunaman of Redlands, CA. They are further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.

Joint services will be held on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at St. Bernard of Clairvaux Catholic Church, 4001 E. 101st St. in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Rosary will be said at 10:30 AM and a funeral mass will begin at 11:00 AM, followed by a lunch reception at the church.

In lieu of flowers, to honor their parents' love of Catholic Education, the family requests donations be made to Bishop Kelley High School, School of Saint Mary or All Saints Catholic School (checks made and mailed to All Saints Catholic School, Attn: Megan Polly, 299 S. 9th St., Broken Arrow, OK, 74012).

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