Pamela Renee, 49 years old. Someone who always put other people's needs before her own. It's no wonder God chose her; She truly was an angel on earth.  Pam was so unique and special, but we just didn’t realize until the other night sitting at her house, just how unique and special she was.  We noticed every picture hanging on the wall and everything on each shelf or corner of her house was mementos & pictures of her children, grandchildren, Babe, family and many reminders of her faith in God.  Mixed in with all the love of her family & God was the dust and cobwebs and that’s when we really saw what made Pam so special.  She knew what was important in life.  She held her grandchildren, took time with her kids & Babe, gave all of her heart to the residents of Prairie View which is why they loved her so.  She played with her nieces & nephews, helped her family, parents, brothers & sisters whenever needed.   She took in strangers, even 2 soaked and drenched bikers in a rainstorm with nowhere else to go.  They loved her hospitality so much they stayed for 2 days.  Every stray kid, friend of her own children, friends of her nieces and nephews were always welcome in her home anytime, any day and they all loved her like a mom.  She never missed a special moment to do dusting, cleaning, or things for herself.   No matter how little Pam had, if anyone needed something, she would give it to them.  She never harbored any jealousy or envy for what others had because she understood true happiness.  Bleak circumstances often seem to prevent most people from being happy, but Pam was able to weather adversity and find joy in daily blessings.  Defining happiness is a bit like trying to nail jello to a wall.  Pam was 1 of a kind and understood life’s blessings and important things.  She had an “underneath it all” contentment that allowed her to bounce back from tough times.  Pam knew that happiness was a balance & in-between relationship between yourself and others, yourself and your work, and yourself and something larger than oneself.  She had such a meaningful relationship with all in her life and was always genuine and attentive.   I once read that performing acts of kindness can increase your feelings of confindence, self-worth, and optimism.  It helps one shift their focus away from oneself.  Pam was a master at that—She  Always put everyone else before herself.   Pam was always willing to go without so that someone else could have. She was so thoughtful, constantly thinking of others and figuring out special ways to brighten their day. When called upon to help out or to run errands or do this and that, Pam was there and without complaint. Anyone who knew Pam, knew her as having the softest voice, biggest heart, and endless patience with people.   As an infant, Pam was so lovable and such a ‘cutie’ with her chubby face, colic hairline, easy-going demeanor, and a smile as big as the sunshine.  She was observant of everyone and everything around her and she would turn on her charm, rarely ever crying.    Growing up, Pam loved animals and gave her pets all the TLC that she could. She loved her horse, donkey, cats, and dogs. She's also remembered as being quite the daredevil. She wrecked her brother's motorcycle after she didn't have permission to ride it, lost her horse after tying it to the fence that she was told not to tie it to, and even snuck her parents car for a joy ride landing her, her younger sister, and a few friends in jail. Even as a teenager, Pam knew the importance of living life to the fullest. She often reminisced about her high school days and younger years, having everyone laughing as she told her stories.   
And then Pam met Babe, the love of her life.  They met__________________________.  They were married on June 19, 1982 at St. Margarets Catholic Church in Kimball S.D. - she was such a beautiful bride with all the ruffles on her pearl and sequin dress, her hat, and pink and lavender accessories. She took her wedding vows to heart and always strived to be the best wife. Pam and Babe have 34 years worth of special moments. Pam loved to spend time playing rummy with Babe, going fishing together, spending time with their kids and grandkids, cooking big meals together, and taking long drives.   Pam was so proud of her children and loved them beyond imagination. She cherished every moment that she had with them and taught them the 'lesson' in every situation....whether they wanted to hear it or not. Pam always did what she could to make her kids feel special. She was always there for them, shared their joys, endured heartache with them, listened to their thoughts and concerns, helped them solve problems, and was their biggest supporter. She was especially proud of the wonderful mother that Amber has become, the independent woman Ashley is, Kyle's accomplishments in the military serving our great country, and the gentle spirit that Calvin has.....just like his mom. Not only was Pam a wonderful daughter, wife, and mother; she was also a wonderful friend.  Her life was full of friendships that she developed years ago and also those that she developed along life’s journey. Pam and Babe always opened their home to others, ensuring their guests knew the door was always open.  Their kids' friends loved to spend time at the Pickner's, as they were welcomed as though it was their own home. Pam took time to visit with everyone who stopped by, asking about their day, their life, their parents and family. Friends always knew they had a place to stay, a meal to eat and an ear to listen.   Pam adored her grandchildren and spent every spare moment with them. They loved spending the night with her and cuddling in bed watching cartoons, and having cookies for breakfast. They loved to go outside at night and look at the moon and stars together. She helped teach them to do the sign of the cross and bedtime prayer before the age of One. They were always showered with hugs and kisses, bringing sweet joy to her ears to hear them call her "Gamma". Gamma Pam didn't have rules, the word 'no' was not in her vocabulary, and she never raised her voice.   Having three sisters and two brothers, Pam helped complete the Gus and Carol Heath family.  Even though she loved to antagonize her siblings or play jokes on them, it was always in fun and laughed about later on.  Pam was not only a sister, she was the best friend you could ask for.  She put family first and ensured everyone was happy.  She loved any reason to get together as a family, even if she had to make something up to celebrate.  She was famous for her scalloped oysters, scalloped corn, and sour cream raisin pie. For holidays, Pam loved to try to outdo her sisters by bringing the most festive appetizer or centerpiece. Pam taught herself to crochet and recently made a pink hat for her sister battling breast cancer.   Pam was absolutely adored by her nieces and nephews, all of whom can tell you story after story after story of how special Pam always made them feel, how much she would make them laugh, or how silly she would be with them.  She loved to play tag or ‘got you last’ with the little ones, or she would draw puppies on their hands, or teach them how to make funny faces.  Just before she passed, she told the littlest nieces and nephews that they were all going to get markers and draw beautiful pictures on Aunt Debbie’s head since she lost her hair due to chemo.  They were really looking forward to making some masterpieces!  She even trained her nieces and nephews to call her "Pretty Princess Pammy", and when they asked Aunt Pammy for something, they always had to ask “Pretty, pretty, PRETTY please with sugar on top.  Pam was a kid at heart and took time to sing songs and play little kid games.  She also liked to sing songs with her older nieces and nephews….often times making up her own words to the songs, giving everyone laughs to remember.  She loved to joke around and hear the sound of laughter.   She also enjoyed soduko puzzles, bing candy bars, doodling, looking at the stars, enjoying the northern lights, and watching fireflies. Pam enjoyed the simple things in life.  Nothing lavish, extravagant, or over the top.  Just true beauty, pure and sweet….just like her.      Soon to celebrate her 50th birthday April 20, Pam was hoping to celebrate in a special way with the 'girls' by taking a road trip. She thought it would be fun to make more special memories with her mom, daughters, sisters, sisters-in-law, and nieces. No planning involved, no reservations, just be daring and drive until they ended up wherever they felt.   Pam’s world was forever changed the day her son, Monte, passed away in 2001.  And while her faith was tested and she struggled with her loss, she put all her heart and soul into prayer.  She would sit and pray the rosary and watch her rosary turn gold the more she prayed.  Thank God this helped restore her faith and brought her closer to God than ever before.  She believed in putting your troubles in God's hands and he would take care of them for you. If we could hear her sweet voice now, she would tell us:  “There are trials we endure that we don’t deserve, but they are permitted and must be endured.  It is a mystery of God’s unfathomable will, we can never explain or fully understand.  Don’t try to understand each thread of his profound plan.  Resisting his council will leave you confused, resentful, and ultimately bitter.  So endure the trials, because nothing touches your life that has not first passed through the hands of God.  He is in full control. “ Pam was always so wise with her faith.    We know all too well, that our time on this earth is short and precious.  We love you dearly Pam and your passing leaves all of us with a heavy heart and our lives will have an emptiness that only you could fill.  We are extremely blessed to have had known your love and giving ways, to have shared so many precious moments and memories to carry with us.  We know that you will be looking down on us and reminding us to enjoy the beautiful relationships with our loved ones and the amazing things each day brings.   You are forever in our hearts.