Samuel "Sammy" M. Maciel

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Sammy "Sam" Maciel, who left this world on October 13, 2026, in Great Falls, Montana, after a brief battle with cancer. He was 76 years young. During his final days, he was comforted by the loving presence of his companion, Jane and his caregiver of the last 8 years, Autumn Norris.

A celebration of life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, October 16, 2026, at Eagles Lodge with burial to follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Sam was born on May 8, 1950, in Billings, Montana, to Miguel Maciel and Guadalupe (Soto) Maciel. The 17th of 21 children, Sam grew up surrounded by a large family whose love, resilience, and hard work helped shape the man he would become.

Throughout his life, Sam worked in restaurants and on firefighting camp crews, where he made friends wherever he went. Yet it wasn't his jobs that defined him. It was his heart.

Sam had a gift for making people feel welcome. He never met a stranger, only friends he hadn't gotten to know yet. Whether sharing a laugh, telling a story, offering a helping hand, or simply flashing his trademark smile, Sam had a way of brightening a room and lifting the spirits of those around him.

In 1983, Sam married the love of his life, Ann Stanley Hess Maciel, in Great Falls. Together they built a life filled with friendship, laughter, and love until her passing in 2016. Though he carried the loss of Ann in his heart, Sam continued to share his kindness with everyone around him.

Those who knew Sam will remember his gentle nature, his sense of humor, and his deep love for children. He remained a kid at heart throughout his life. He found joy in simple things, cherished time spent with family and friends, and never missed an opportunity to make someone smile.

Sam was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Ann; sisters, Mary Castro Diaz, Virginia Valadez, and Lupe Garcia; and brothers, Joe Maciel, Mike Maciel, Raymond Maciel, Marcie Maciel, John Maciel, Faustino Maciel, Bernie Maciel, and Sal Maciel.

He leaves behind his companion, Jane; stepson, Mahlon Don Hess (JoDee Devereaux); adoptive son, Frankie Maciel; stepdaughters, Yvonne (Bruce) Houle and Maria Standing Horse (Jason Belcourt); sisters, Savina (Dave) McKeen, Dorothy Maciel, Julia (Jesse) Mota, and Peggy (Al) Mizner; brothers, Louis Maciel, Frank (Techa) Maciel, Richard Maciel, Greg (Connie) Maciel, and Tommy (Rita) Maciel; and countless nieces, nephews, grandchildren, extended family members, and friends who were blessed to know and love him.

While his family is saddened by his passing, they find comfort in knowing that Sam lived a life centered on kindness, friendship, and love. His smile, laughter, and generous spirit will remain in the hearts of all who knew him.

The world is a little quieter without Sam in it, but heaven is certainly brighter.