Pamella J. Austin

If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Pamella J. Austin. She was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to her because she was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around her had whatever they needed. Pamella was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what she meant.

Pamella was born in Sacred Heart Hospital in Havre, Montana. She was the daughter of Edward and Olga Dickinson. Pamella was raised in Havre, Montana. During her childhood she learned to be reliable and respectful. Pamella was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. She found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Pamella's personality throughout her life.

Though Pamella was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with her family, she was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Pamella was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Pamella worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. Pamella was raised with three siblings, she had an older sister, Dorothy, an older brother, Murray and a younger brother, Ronald. Pamella and her siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

For Pamella, the school routines were never a problem although she generally preferred variety to structure. She seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And she was able to do it quickly and efficiently. Pamella was also adept at details. Pamella was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. She graduated from Havre High School in 1956.

There was one thing that all of Pamella's friends knew and will still remember, and that is that she was a talker. She could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Pamella was such a popular person throughout her life. But Pamella was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Pamella was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While she maintained personal standards and her own personal values, Pamella was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Pamella was often the person who would organize events. In fact, Pamella was fairly comfortable playing the role of “host” for just about any occasion. When Pamella made friends, she made true and lasting friendships. While growing up, some of her best friends were Gayle and Donna. Later in life, she became better friends with Lorraine, Carol and Georgia.

Pamella was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call her sentimental and a romantic at heart. Her kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around her. Pamella cared for what others thought and carried that into her marriage. On March 31, 1992, Pamella married Robert Austin at Banning United Methodist Church of Banning, California. Compassionate and devoted, Pamella worked hard to make her new life partner happy.

Harmony was important to Pamella and she made every effort to maintain it with her family. Pamella was blessed with four children, one son, Michael Boehm, three daughters, Debbie Boehm, Marcelle Shelton and Tracy Miranda and a step son, Rob Austin. They were also blessed with six grandchildren, Elizabeth Hoeting, Christopher Dyches, Bryan Shelton, Richie Shelton, Melissa Miranda and Jacqueline Miranda and three great grandchildren, Kiersten, Kayleigh and Abby (with another one on the way) Pamella was always conscious of the feelings others had. She was reasonable and understanding. As a result, Pamella was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. Her secret of success in this area was simple: Pamella would listen before she would act.

Taking her work seriously came naturally to Pamella, and she expected the same from those around her. Pamella was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. She was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in her good communication skills. Pamella was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Pamella handled well. She could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” Her primary occupation was parts clerk and secretarial. She was employed for 40 years with Automotive and RV dealerships. She brought harmony to her work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for her colleagues.

A methodical woman, Pamella enjoyed spending time working on her various hobbies. She had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that she could have something to show for her efforts. Her favorite pursuit was traveling.

Her keen interest in things that affected the lives of other people led Pamella to become actively involved in professional and community organizations. Because she was outgoing and worked well with others, Pamella did her fair share of volunteer work. And she wouldn’t shy away from taking the lead on committees or events, either. She was a born list maker and was great at creating and sticking to schedules. In high school, Pamella was a member of the Drama Club.

Pamella was the kind of person who would readily move into action in order to help others. She was appreciated and respected. She could find value in the opinions of others and was passionate about her own values and beliefs. Politically, Pamella was a Republican.

Her high moral standards and traditional values served Pamella well with her faith. Religion and faith were important to her. She was a member of the Episcopal church for 5 years. She was well respected because she was such an outgoing individual who sought to help in any manner she could.

Not only did Pamella enjoy traveling, but she also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. She was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. She rarely tired of going back and revisiting her favorite places. Favorite vacations included Laughlin and Catalina.

Pamella was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of her favorites was Tika, a chihuahua, who was a best friend for 2 years.

Since it was easy for Pamella to meet and get to know new people, she quickly made friends, even in retirement. Once she met those new friends, she loved sharing stories and talking about the good old days. Since she was practical and cost effective, Pamella was ready when that day to retire finally came in December 31, 2009.

Pamella passed away on March 5, 2010 at home in Banning, California. She fought a brave fight against cancer. She is survived by her children, Marcelle and Tracy, her stepson, Rob, her grandchildren, Elizabeth, Christopher, Bryan, Richie, Melissa and Jacqueline, her great grandchildren, Kiersten, Kayleigh and Abby. She is also survived by her brother, Ronald. Visitation for Pamella was held Monday, March 15, 2010, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM, at Weaver Mortuary, 1177 Beaumont Ave., Beaumont, CA. Graveside Services were held Friday, March 19, 2010, at 12:30 PM, at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd,, Riverside, California. Pamella was laid to rest in Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside, California.

Pamella was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever she said something, she meant it. Pamella was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. She was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. She was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember her for most is the fact that she was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life she touched will miss Pamella J. Austin. Arrangements under the direction of Weaver Mortuary, Beaumont, CA.