Pamela Ann Idema, age 79, passed away on September 17, 2022. She was preceded in death by her husband, Chris Stager; parents; and sister, Sandy Wooldridge. Pam is survived by her daughter, Victoria Slates; grandchildren, Rachel and Noah Slates; sister-in-law, Cathy Ramberg; along with many dear friends. She was born May 23, 1943, in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Sheldon and Vivian Armstrong. Pam graduated from Ottawa Hills High School in 1961 and went on to work for Pan Am for 20 years. She thoroughly enjoyed working for Pan Am and was able to take advantage of the travel benefits she was offered. Pam was a Girl Scout troop leader for many years. In 1982 she married her soulmate, Chris, and they moved to South Bend, Indiana. They were married for 10 years before he died much too soon from heart issues. While her daughter was in high school, Pam was active as the Band Booster President, PTA board member, and spent hours volunteering at the school. Pam moved to Denver in 2006, where she enjoyed hiking, attending concerts, and the beauty of the mountains. In 2011, she attended her 50th high school reunion where she reconnected with a lot of her friends. They were a big part of the reason she moved back to Grand Rapids in 2018. In July of this year, Pam moved to Minnesota to live closer to her daughter and grandchildren. Due to her dire medical issues, Pam spent most of her last months in the hospital. She was an avid book reader and loved shoes. She also had a passion for rock and roll with a CD collection of over 150 CD’s. Per Pam’s wishes, a private family celebration of life will be held.
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I met Pam at Ottawa Hills High School. It was in junior high school very soon after she lost her Dad. It was a very difficult time for her. We reconnected at our 50th class reunion and again a few years later. Bob Leavenworth opened his home again to our classmates just before COVID began. Pam had just moved to Grand Rapids and was struggling with spinal issues. We talked for some time. She had a good heart, was beautiful, talented, fun loving, and very bright. I am so sorry COVID and her health issues made it so difficult for her to become part of a supportive community after her move back to Grand Rapids. Victoria, my sympathy and prayers are with you. God Bless. Nancy Moore Rockwell