Pamela Marie Richards

Pamela Marie Richards, a beacon of kindness, passed away on November 21, 2024 at the care center in Akron, Iowa, at the age of 79. Born on August 30, 1945, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, Pamela’s life was marked by her unwavering spirit and her profound impact on those around her.

A proud 1963 graduate of Ames High School. She was also a member of the little Cyclone marching band as a majorette and played the drums. Pam accompanied many vocalists and performed as a pianist in Ames as a high school student with Iowa State University.  Pamela continued her education as a music major at Westmar College in Le Mars, Iowa where she met the love of her life, Kenneth Richards of Brunsville, Iowa ultimately marrying him Sept 4, 1965, in Ames. IA. Their daughter Ann was born in 1967 in Le Mars.  They moved to Colorado Springs, CO in 1968. Their son Jason was born in 1972 in Colorado. The family moved to Akron in 1980. After their children graduated high school in Akron and becoming "empty nesters", Pam was able to travel back and forth to Omaha from Akron to get her Associate of Science degree at College of St. Mary in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1992. Her dedication to learning was paralleled by her lifelong contributions to various organizations, such as the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and the South Dakota Health Information Management Association (SDHIMA). Pamela's influence resonated within the Akron Medical Clinic Board, the Colorado Springs Music Association, and as secretary of the Akron Golf Course. Her musical talents shone brightly as the organist and choir director at Good Samaritan Lutheran Church in Colorado & Trinity Lutheran Church in Akron for over 2 decades. Pam also served on the church council. Pam held leadership roles in P.E.O. Chapter LD and WELCA. She attended First Lutheran Church in Sioux City after moving from Akron to Dakota Dunes, SD in 2003 as it was closer to the Siouxland Surgery Center where she was employed at that time.

Pamela dedicated more than 25 years to nurturing the love of music in her students as a piano and organ teacher in Colorado Springs and Akron, Iowa. She planned countless recitals and choir performances over those years. Her passion for education extended beyond music; she also made notable contributions as a secretary and bookkeeper for Richards Insurance Agency in Colorado Springs from 1973 to 1980. Pam worked in medical records at Akron City Hospital, Vermillion Hospital and managed medical records at Siouxland Surgery Center in Dakota Dunes, South Dakota for the following 30 years, respectively. She was then self-employed as a medical records transcriptionist for pain specialists in the tri-state area, Pamela utilized her expertise to enhance the field and her fellow coworkers. 

In addition to her professional achievements, Pamela embodied the spirit of generosity. Living closer to Sioux City and semi-retired Pam's compassionate nature and profound love for others led her to volunteer at soup kitchens and mentor children in need. She will be remembered not only for her accomplishments but also for her warmth, humor, and gentle demeanor which touched the lives of many. Pam also enjoyed playing bridge a couple times a week, reading books and was a member of women's bible study groups. 

Pamela is survived by her beloved daughter, Ann Thornton & Dominique Slone (significant other) of Alamo, NV and son, Jason Richards & Gay Horn (significant other) of Dakota Dunes, SD. She is also cherished by her mother, Patricia Bremer, of Akron, IA and her grandchildren: Christopher Thornton and Reece Thornton both of Saint George, UT, Alec Thornton of Alamo, NV, Dillon and Marisa Vander Feen of Sioux Falls, SD, Madeline Vander Feen of Des Moines, IA, Jake Vander Feen and Hannah Vander Feen both of Sioux Falls. Each of them carries forward her legacy of love and kindness.

Pamela was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Richards; her father, Ervin Bushman; her brothers, Bob and Jim Bushman and her mother-in-law, Mary Jones.  Their memories forever hold a special place in her family’s hearts. 

After surviving breast cancer, she unfortunately was plagued with metastatic breast cancer starting in her lower back eventually moving to other parts of her body a courageous eight-year battle, Pamela fought gallantly until her final days. Her resilience was a testament to her character being a devout believer, she faced her challenges with grace and dignity. She found a way to see things on the" bright side and count blessings, often times small victories not to be taken for granted" all along the way with a very good sense of humor.  Pamela Marie Richards will be deeply missed, but her spirit will forever live on in the lives she touched, and the memories shared.

A celebration of her life will be at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel in Sioux City followed by burial at Memorial Park Cemetary, also in Sioux City, during the upcoming summer (2025) so family from far away can attend. We will notify on a specific date when scheduled.