Pamela Clark
September 07, 2018
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Service Details
Pamela S. Clark passed away September 7, 2018, at Fountain West Health Care Center after a brave and spirited battle against ALS. She was born December 9, 1942, to H. Herschel and LaVora Opperman.
Pamela was born and raised in Allison, Iowa, and graduated from Allison-Bristow High School. Pamela worked for and retired from AMF after 30 years of service. In retirement, she received her Associate’s Degree from DMACC and worked as a CNA at Luther Park prior to working as a unit clerk at Iowa Methodist Medical Center.
Even with her ALS diagnosis in 2013, Pamela remained active in volunteering as a Senior Companion through Visiting Nurse Services and at the Northside Senior Center in Des Moines. She also volunteered many years at the Iowa State Fair in the information booth, Mercy Medical Center, and the Food Bank of Iowa. Pamela took pride in earning the State of Iowa Volunteer Award from Governor Branstad.
Pamela was a past member of American Legion Auxiliary Post 374 in Highland Park until transferring her membership to Post 232 in Polk City. She enjoyed square dancing, listening to blue grass music, and she was an avid Wii bowler. Pamela also had a love of joke telling and bringing a smile to those around her.
Pamela is survived by her life partner, Curtis Shiffer; daughters, Nikki (Rob Pieart) Goodell and Jill Harryman; grandchildren, Brandon (Haille Bettuo) Goodell, Erin Harryman, and Abby Harryman; great-grandchildren, David and Skye; brother, John (Julie) Opperman; sister, Patty (Jim) Yencer, as well as a host of other loving family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Kenneth Clark; infant son, Bruce Goodell, and twins in infancy, Anthony and Michael Goodell.
A celebration of her life will be held at 12 p.m. on Thursday, September 13, 2018, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue in Des Moines. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service time. A private family burial will be held at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery.
The family would like to show their gratitude to the ALS Association for their support and kindness during Pamela’s ALS journey. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the ALS Association – Iowa Chapter, in loving memory of Pamela.
Condolences may be expressed online at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Abby Harryman
12/30/2018
Grandma I miss you so much. You always made everybody laugh and smile, nobody could be sad around you. You found a wonderful person that you spent the rest of your life with, and Curtis is still loved by you, me, mom, Nikki, and Erin. This Christmas was not the same, nor was the last, without your bright jewelry, and funky earrings, or Christmas sweater. I hope Heaven is greatful for taking back their #1 angel.
Jane Rider
09/14/2018
I am so sorry that Pam has passed. But I know that the best was yet to come for her. I really appreciated her courage through this time with ALS and felt like she offered more blessings to me than I could offer her. I am grateful that I saw her Septembeer 5th. May the Peace that passes all understanding keep your love and memories close to your heart.
Jane Rider, St. Mark Caring Ministry
Terri (Opperman) Bertram
09/13/2018
So sorry to hear of Pam's passing.
May the Lord comfort you in the days to come.
John & Julianne Opperman
09/13/2018
Nikki, Jill and families,
Our sympathy and our condolences are with you on the loss of your Mom, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother. She was a kind and loving soul, and we should all rejoice that she is finally at peace after a long hard struggle. May your faith, family, and friends provide you with solace and comfort.
Karen Wittmaier
09/11/2018
May her memory sustain you, during this time of grief.
Mike Barlow
09/10/2018
I wanted to express my condolences to the Clark family and especially Jill during this difficult time. After reading the obituary, I now know where Jill developed her love for service and volunteerism! I hope you appreciate this time as your family comes close together to celebrate the life and memories your family created. We are always here for you!
The Baker Family
09/10/2018
Pam has been a huge part of our lives for MANY years and has been pivotal in making our Christmas Eve celebrations Festive. She LOVED Christmas and any silly piece of Christmas jewelry she could find to help light up the room!!!!! She ALWAYS had a "joke of the day" and was so full of energy. She truly had a knack for trying to make people laugh and being hours early for a party, she didn't want to miss the fun!!! She was such a strong person and taught her girls to be the same. I just know Heaven is full of giggling now with their newest "joking" addition. Christmas Eve won't be the same...I am so happy she will not suffer anymore! We love you Pam and always will....