It is with loving hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of Samuel John Mattingly, who passed away peacefully at his home in Harrison, Idaho, on July 1, 2026, at the age of 73.

Sam was born on February 19, 1953, in Evansville, Indiana, to William and Mary Mattingly. He was raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he graduated from Bishop Luers High School with the Class of 1971. Following high school, he attended Butler University before deciding to follow his adventurous spirit west to Colorado in search of mountains, rivers, fresh air, and new opportunities.

It was there that he met the love of his life, Carolyn Stapp. They were married in Colorado in 1978 and began a beautiful journey together that would span nearly five decades. They first made their home in Bozeman, Montana, where they started their family. After several moves and ten wonderful years in Montana, they eventually settled in Spokane, Washington, where they spent the next 37 years building a life centered on faith, family, hard work, and love.

Building was never just Sam's profession—it was his calling. As the sole owner of Artisan Builders, he spent decades designing and constructing homes that reflected his high standards of quality and craftsmanship. He had a remarkable God given ability to envision what could be created from a simple stack of lumber and then bring that vision to life with precision, patience, and artistry. To Sam, every home was more than a structure; it was a place where families would build their lives and create lasting memories.

His gift with wood extended far beyond the homes he built. Sam was an extraordinary woodworking artist whose talent seemed almost effortless. He possessed the rare ability to transform ordinary pieces of wood into remarkable works of beauty. Whether crafting fine furniture, treasured keepsakes, custom cabinetry, or one-of-a-kind gifts, every piece reflected his creativity, meticulous attention to detail, and deep pride in his work. Family and friends often marveled that he possessed a divine gift to turn what appeared to be nothing into something truly extraordinary. His creations were not simply built—they were handcrafted works of art that will be treasured for generations.

After retiring from the physically demanding work of home building, Sam wasn't ready to stop serving others. He found a new purpose driving school bus for Spokane public schools, where he worked until retiring in 2025. He approached this chapter with the same dependability, patience, and kindness that had defined his entire career, taking great pride in safely caring for the children entrusted to him each day.

Retirement brought another dream to life when Sam and Carolyn moved to Harrison, Idaho, where they embraced the beauty and tranquility of North Idaho. It was exactly where he wanted to be. He loved fly fishing on the rivers of Idaho and Montana, but had a special place in his heart for the St. Joe River. The mountains, rivers, and quiet outdoors renewed his spirit and brought him immense joy and peace.

Although Sam's craftsmanship earned the admiration of many, the greatest masterpiece of his life was his family.

He was first and foremost a devoted husband and an extraordinary father. Blessed with nine children, Sam poured his heart into raising them. He was the steady presence on the sidelines at games, the familiar face at school events, the first to celebrate accomplishments, and the one who could always be counted on to lend a helping hand. His children never questioned how deeply they were loved. Through his own example, he taught them the importance of integrity, humility, perseverance, faith, and the value of honest, hard work. As grandchildren arrived, that love only multiplied. Nothing brought him greater happiness than having his family gathered together.

Those who knew Sam will remember his gentle spirit, quiet strength, unwavering generosity, and genuine humility. While he leaves behind beautiful homes, exquisite furniture, and countless handcrafted treasures, his greatest legacy is the love he built within his family. The lessons he taught, the example he lived, and the countless lives he shaped were a legacy that he will be remember by – a true legend.

Sam is lovingly survived by his wife, Carolyn Mattingly, at their home in Harrison, Idaho; his children, Chris Mattingly of Odessa, Texas; Theresa and Ben Wagenman of Colorado; Kelley and Josh Cullen of Colorado; Sarah Mattingly of Texas; Joann Mattingly of Colorado; Andrew Mattingly and Sureena Weir of Texas; Laura and Matt Gakstatter of Wyoming; Danny Mattingly of Alaska; and Anna Mattingly of Texas. He is also survived by nine siblings, twelve cherished grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom will miss him dearly.

A Catholic Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Immaculate Catholic Church in St. Maries, Idaho. A luncheon will immediately follow at Benedictine Hall. Family and friends are warmly invited to attend as they celebrate the life of a man who built beautiful homes with his hands but built an even more beautiful family with his heart.

Though Sam's earthly work is finished, the foundation he laid through his faith, love, craftsmanship, and example will continue to stand strong for generations to come. His gifted hands are now at rest, but the beauty he created and the love he shared will forever remain in the hearts of those blessed to call him husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.