At PJ's memorial service, on the 5th of May 2018, there were about 100 people who came to show their love and admiration of her beautiful spirit, in recogniton of her life and sorrow for her passing.  Proof that she was well loved and cherished by all of her friends, colleagues and family members. Everyone celebrated her life and many spoke of the great memories they enjoyed with her. It was truly a blessed day and an amazing turnout of all the people who deeply cared for her. It was a bright and sunny day which was a testament to her life. 

I met PJ in 2000 when I got involved with the Benton County Republican Party. I have two vignettes that display several of her characteristics.

In the early 2000s I, and others, were helping PJ prepare a float for the Veterans Day parade. PJ, as usual, was working meticulously. As the afternoon dragged on and helpers started leaving, I began to wonder when we would be finished and tried to get PJ to hurry because I felt guilty leaving her to finish the job. PJ gave me a very dirty look. I then realized that PJ was going to do what PJ was going to do, and that was to make that float as perfect as she could possibly make it. I left and never felt guilty again about leaving PJ to finish a job.

Several years later, PJ, Stella Guenther, and I were reorganizing the Republican storage trailer. I had to lift a heavy piece of lattice and place it on two hooks on the wall. I got the lattice up on the wall but it was not level – not that it had to be. PJ looked at the lattice, wrinkled her nose, and said, “John’s work”. At that point, I realized that she expects everyone else to do things to her standards. I leveled the lattice.

PJ was very skilled at her craft. Her work was nearly perfect and she expected the same from others. She was a loyal steadfast Republican, a fierce patriot, a gracious beautiful lady, and a very dear friend. I, and many others, will miss her a great deal.

John H. Detweiler

Many moons ago I posted this image of me (on the left) as an April Fool's joke.  While going through Pam's archive of photo, low and behold, I found the picture but with an addition--my twin who looked oddly like my mother-in-law.  I about keeled over with laughter.  I wished she had shared it with me, we would have had a fit of giggles over it. Love that we found the same things funny.

Unbelievable memories! From playing with swords and shields to riding in the Omni to Enchanted Forest to eating frozen brownies, Pam was always there -- she made life fun and interesting. Always smiling, in a chipper mood, she was forever engaged with her family. So many memories sitting at the table playing cards or talking. She actually got me through 10th grade English by drawing my Shakespearean book covers -- she was always an inspiration and the true definition of a wonderful mom.