Samantha Ann Toops

Samantha Ann (Newhart) Toops, age 58, of Osgood, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Sunday, August 17, 2025.

She was born in Batesville, Indiana, the loving daughter of Don and Amelia (Tunny) Newhart. Samantha was a proud graduate of Jac-Cen-Del High School. Following in her father’s footsteps, she faithfully served her community as a bus driver for the Jac-Cen-Del School Corporation for 35 years.

A lifelong member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Osgood, Samantha was deeply involved in parish life. She served on numerous committees, worked as church secretary, and taught religion classes in both Osgood and Napoleon.

Above all, Samantha’s greatest joy was her family. She married the love of her life, Darin Toops, on October 29, 1988, and together they built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and hard work. She was devoted not only as a wife, supporting Darin in his logging business, but also as a homemaker—cultivating a spectacular garden, cooking, sewing, and creating a warm and welcoming home. Holidays were important to Sam, especially Thanksgiving.  Each year she hosted the Newhart Thanksgiving at her home, cooking an entire meal for 60 plus people. She especially enjoyed card games with her family at the holidays, specifically bid euchre.

Affectionately known to many as “Momma Toops,” Samantha loved babysitting for countless families, making every child feel welcome, loved, and respected. Her role as a mother was her proudest calling, and when she became a grandmother to her beloved “Winnie,” she embraced the title with boundless joy and pride.

Samantha is survived by her husband of 36 years, Darin; daughter Rachel (Bill Platt) Toops; son Connor Toops; granddaughter Winifred “Winnie” Platt; parents Don Sr. and Amelia Newhart; mother-in-law Mollie Toops; siblings Don Jr. (Teri) Newhart, Jeff (Rosemary) Newhart, Yvonne (James) Rose, and John (Dana) Newhart as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her father-in-law, Donald Toops.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 21, 2025, from 3–7 p.m. at Neal’s Funeral Home in Osgood with Rosary services being held at 2pm.. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, August 22, 2025, at 10 am. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Osgood. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St. John’s Catholic Church, St. Maurice Catholic Church, or Hopewell Baptist Church, in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at www.nealsfuneralhome.net.