Pamela S. Belew

Pamela Sue Belew, age 61, passed away Thursday, April 23, 2026, at Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines.

Pamela was born July 9, 1964, in Des Moines, Iowa to John and JoAnn (Brewer) Johnson. She graduated from East High School in Des Moines and worked for many years at Ken’s Maid Rite on East 14th and Euclid, where she was a familiar friendly face to the many customers she served.

Pam enjoyed the simple pleasures in life like family gatherings and weekend breakfasts with her son, John and daughter-in-law, Amanda. Pam was a very proud mom and would show off her son and brag to everyone about how she got lucky with him. She spent her days with her friends at Emanuel Pathways Center and her nights with her friends at Luther Park. She loved to socialize and do arts, crafts, puzzles, and games.

Pam was the definition of strength. She had her fair share of struggles in this life, yet she gave more than she had so she could put a smile on your face. Pam had a way of making friends no matter where life took her. Her strong will and feisty personality kept her family and friends on their toes, while putting laughter in their hearts. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her son, John Belew and daughter-in-law, Amanda; step-granddaughter, Sabrina; step-great-grandchildren, Hayden, Holden, Hadley, and Hela; fur baby, Frisky; nieces and nephews, Danielle (Shane), Chrissy, Jerry (Ashley), and DJ and their families; brother, Donald (Teresa) Johnson; aunt, Betty McCuen; uncle, Del Brewer; as well as many cousins, other extended family, and friends.

Pamela was preceded in death by her parents, John Wesley Johnson and JoAnn Marie Johnson; twin brothers, Ronnie and Johnnie; siblings, Sheri (David) Dalton, Kimberly Mullahey, Linda Rattray, Ruth Ann Johnson, Barbara (Mike) Lloyd, Richard (Mary) Johnson, David (Chris) Johnson, and Michael (Christa) Johnson; uncles, Charles Johnson, Kenny McCuen, Earl Leroy (Sue) DuRocher, and Dave (Rose) Brewer; aunts, Lucille Marie Johnson, Betty (Jack) Thomas, Barb Mericle, Linda (Joe) Goering, and Kathy (Mike) Leydens; and cousin, Little Kenny McCuen.

Services will be held on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. Cremation will take place after the funeral service. For those unable to attend the funeral in person, it will be livestreamed through a link that will be available below the day of the service.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family in loving memory of Pam.

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