Wendy Sams Tepper

Wendy Sams Tepper, 66, of Forest, died on Thursday, November 7, 2013. She was the wife of Ivan H. Tepper. She was born on October 29, 1947 in Waukegan, IL a daughter of the late Irene Engstrom Sams and the late Kenneth G. Sams.

At the time of her death, Wendy was ESOP Chairman and Member of the Board of Delta Star in Lynchburg. She has held management positions in both the private and public sectors in the fields of manufacturing, transportation, personnel and government. From 1989-2000 Wendy served as District Representative for Congressman Philip M. Crane in the 8th District in IL. While in that position she created the 8th Congressional Christian Advisory Board. She also coordinated many political and re-election activities for Congressman Crane.

From 1980-2000 Wendy was President of Beau-Geste International, a company founded by her father in 1944. The company manufactured and distributed products to the Navy and Marine Corps. From 1978-1984 she was the Regional Affairs Officer for the Regional Transportation Authority of Chicago. During a re-organization of the authority she was promoted to become the first woman Officer of the Northeast Illinois Railroad Corporation formerly known as the Rock Island Line. From 1973-1977 Wendy was Personnel Director for Fansteel Inc. in Waukegan, IL.

Wendy also held the elected positions of Trustee, Warren Township in Gurnee, IL; Alternate Delegate for George H. W, Bush; Downstate Vice Chairman, Young Republicans in Lake Forest, IL; and Chairman of the Young Republicans Federation, Waukegan, IL.

Wendy graduated from Bryant and Stratton College in Chicago in 1967 with a degree in Business and Finishing School. She was the first \"Wendy Ward\" professional model for Montgomery Ward Department Stores.

Wendy had also served as a member of the Board of Regents of Liberty University; and a member of the Board of Visitors of Radford University; and Director for the Illinois Christian Coalition.

Wendy was associated with both Thomas Road Baptist Church and Christ Community Church in Penhook, VA.

In addition to her husband, Wendy is survived by three daughters, Morgan Tepper of Washington, DC; Heather Felton and husband, Jimmy of Atlanta; and Amy Tepper of IL; four grandchildren, Max, Sophie and Scout Felton and Joe Karolewicz; four brothers, Ken Sams and wife, Elaine; Larry Sams and wife, Carol; Donald Sams and wife, Lauren and David Sams and wife, Renee; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Wendy was predeceased by a sister, Cathy Sams Sorenson.

The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:30 p.m. on Monday, November 11, 2013 at Tharp Funeral Home in Lynchburg. A funeral service will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 at Tharp Funeral Home, 220 Breezewood Drive, Lynchburg, VA.