Pamela Kay (Willms) Herr went home to be with the Lord on Friday, January 26 th , 2024 after a battle with cancer.
She was born on October 27, 1949 to Donald and Vera Willms in California. Pam’s father was working on actor Fred MacMurray’s ranch at the time. Soon after, they moved back to Kansas. She grew up primarily in Nickerson. She went to college at Oklahoma Baptist University and then Wichita State University, graduating with a Bachelor in Biology degree.
Pam met her husband when he decided to help his college-aged neighbor shovel her driveway after the big snow of 1971. They were married at Countryside Baptist Church in Hutchinson, Kansas, on January 15, 1972 and started their 52-year adventure. The couple had four children: Kristin, Kara, Brian, and Lydia.
In 1981, Sam and Pam moved to Valley Center, Kansas. Pam was able to bring her childhood horse, Sandy, to their homestead. All of her children have fond memories of riding Sandy. Along with a love for her horse, she loved her cats, Tammy and Bammy.
Pam was a life-long learner. She especially enjoyed learning about all things finance. Pam was a member of Mensa for several years. She had varied interests over the years. She loved to play games, especially word games. She was an avid Boggle fan. Her sewing room contained numerous craft and sewing projects in various stages of completion. She enjoyed playing handbells, cooking, and looking for a good bargain. Her coupon box was a constant companion.
Pam appreciated the life-long friendships she developed through her Lamplighter Sunday School group and she was grateful for the friendships and assistance of her fellow Livestrong cancer support group.
Pam volunteered throughout her life. Through church she enjoyed playing handbells and helping with children’s choir. She was involved in PTA and her children’s swim team. She was also involved in the Valley Victors 4-H club, especially with teaching others to raise rabbits. She made a point to be involved in her children and later, grandchildren’s activities. She enjoyed passing on her knowledge to the grandkids, teaching them to make deviled eggs and fudge, and to play the piano.
When Pam’s last kid entered kindergarten, she started working outside the home in a variety of bookkeeping jobs. After she retired, she became a volunteer tax preparer. She has completed hundreds of tax returns for free. Pam enjoyed technology and she was never far from her tablet. Some would even say she was addicted to tech.
Pam approached the end of her earthly life with the blessed assurance that her eternal life in heaven awaited. She now has eternal life, abiding in God’s knowledge.
Pamela is survived by her husband, Samuel Herr, her children Kristin Herr, Kara (Sam) Milligan, Brian (Amber) Herr, and Lydia (Andy) Renich; 11 grandchildren Jeramiah, Gabriella, Makayla,
Elianah, Hunter, Alexia, Nathan, Scarlet, Zamara, Lucille, Augustus; mother-in-law Leona Herr; siblings Russell (Sherryl) Willms, Clifton (Kathi) Willms, Deedrie Diane (Mark) Roberts, brother-in-law Paul (Dorothy) Herr, sister-in-law Allison (Josh) Donohue, and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Vera Willms, and father-in-law Joseph Herr.
Service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, February 5 th , 2024 at Valley Center Christian Church, 1801 East 5 th Street, Valley Center, Kansas. Visitation will be that morning prior to the service from 10:00-11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Valley Center Christian Church, 1801 East 5 th Street, Valley Center, Kansas 67147.
Baker Funeral Home Valley Center - Condolences may be left for the family at www.bakerfhvc.com.