Samantha Wellik

Samantha Jayne Wellik, 14, of Forest City, Iowa, died Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2018, at her home in Forest City.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2018, at The Dock, 500 Main Ave., Clear Lake, with the Rev. Dr. Pat Hall officiating.  Following the service, Samantha’s body was cremated, and a private inurnment was held at Madison Township Cemetery, in Forest City.

In lieu of customary remembrances, family suggests memorial contributions to Harmony Ranch, in Clear Lake, or Zion Lutheran Church, in Clear Lake.

Samantha was born on Sept. 20, 2003, the daughter of Josh Wellik and Abby Benitez, in Mason City, Iowa.  She grew up and attended school in Garner before moving to Forest City, where she was currently in eighth grade at Forest City Middle School.

Samantha enjoyed horseback riding at Harmony Ranch, listening to music and participating in school plays.

Samantha is survived by her parents, Joshua (Ashley) Wellik, of Garner, and Abby Wellik, of Forest City; eight siblings, Taylor Bahensky, of Garner, Dylan Benitez, of Forest City, Austin Bahensky, of Garner, Drake Freeman, of Woden, Caiden Figueroa, of Garner, Gavin Figueroa, of Garner, Dean Wellik, of Garner and Daiden Wellik, of Garner; grandparents, Mary and Bruce Swenson, of Scottsdale, Az., Roger and Sharla Wellik, of Forest City and Jane Benitez, of Thompson; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.