Pamela Renker Newton

Born in Austin, Texas, to Edward and Mary Jo Renker, Pam shared a special bond with her Daddy, whom she deeply admired, and treasured their time together at “The Land,” the family’s property between Austin and Dallas. She and her mother shared a strong sense of propriety and grace and her mother helped shape the way she carried herself and cared for others. Pam made sure her children had the opportunity to know and love their extended family, prioritizing visits and time spent together.

Pam met her husband, Dennis, while they were both students at UTMB - she in nursing school and he in medical school - and they married on October 28, 1967, sharing 57 beautiful years together. Their marriage was a steadfast partnership, built on love, respect, and a shared devotion to their family and the life they created. Through the years, they celebrated many joys, supported one another through challenges, and built a lifetime of memories together.

Pam is survived by her devoted husband, Dennis; her sister, Jan (Glenn); and her three children: Brie Ferguson (Darren), Brad, and Laurie Wiehe (Mark). She was a beloved "Pammaw" to Emilie, AJ, Collins, Axel, and Ward, and is also survived by numerous in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

As a mother, she was extraordinary. Her deepest joy came from loving and caring for children - her own and countless others - believing it was the purpose she was meant to fulfill. She read numerous parenting books, taught parenting classes, and dedicated herself entirely to raising her children with patience, wisdom, and grace. She had a particular soft spot for babies, drawn to their sweetness and innocence, and was a natural nurturer. She was sweet and gentle in nature, yet a fierce protector when it came to those she loved. Her children always knew they could count on their mother's unwavering support and advocacy.

A passionate champion of public education, Pam volunteered tirelessly in the PTA, earning multiple Life Memberships and the Extended Service Award during her more than 20 years of active service at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Along the way, she formed a cherished village in her neighborhood - a circle of friends who raised their children together, lifted each other up, and shared countless phone calls, stories and laughs.

She had a rare gift for making everyone feel like family. Friends of her children often found a second mother in her - receiving thoughtful packages, letters, and phone calls, always signed “Mama Newton.” Her door was open to all, and whether someone visited for a moment or a day, they never left empty-handed - often with a beverage in their hand or a frozen loaf of her famous pumpkin bread tucked under their arm. She nourished people not only with her food, but with love, acceptance, and a warmth that filled them in every way.

Pam was deeply loyal, the kind of friend and family member who stood beside you through every season of life, offering encouragement, comfort, and love. She maintained lifelong friendships with Mary Claire Masterton (née Russell) and Joan Ward (née Rummel) that began when they were 12 years old. The trio affectionately known as "Renker, Rummel, and Russell," were there for each other through life’s events, both big and small, staying connected through letters, phone calls, and visits, remaining devoted friends for decades.

Pam was her family’s dedicated historian, capturing every precious moment - beginning with her 8mm film camera and continuing into the digital age. She faithfully recorded home videos and took countless photographs, always humbly behind the camera rather than in front of it. Her passion for family history extended to genealogy research, spending hours at the state capitol examining microfiche to trace her roots. Her commitment to documenting her family's story created a treasured archive of memories and heritage.

Pam loved spending time in her garden, where she could often be found pruning, weeding, and tending to each plant with care. Her hard work transformed the spacious yard at their home in Las Colinas into a showpiece that was featured in a garden club tour. She could make anything grow, her green thumb evident not only in every corner of the yard but also on the windowsills of her home where baby African Violets were often being propagated - a testament to her gentle patience and the care she gave to all living things.

She also found immense joy in creating Christmas magic for her family, transforming their home with multiple Christmas trees and elaborate decorations, including a multi-level Christmas village and a handmade felt Advent calendar that she sewed herself. Her holiday baking included air cookies, spritz cookies, potato chip cookies, and many other varieties that she shared with teachers and friends. Central to the celebration of the season was the Advent Workshop at Lovers Lane UMC where each child drew a Christmas scene that was made into a plate - a tradition that spanned decades. She also taught her children the spirit of giving by adopting families from angel trees. Christmas preparation unfolded over months and was steeped in tradition and love that Pam poured into making the season magical.

When faced with Alzheimer’s Disease, Pam’s giving nature and desire to give back never waned. She courageously participated in research at UT Southwestern’s Alzheimer’s Research Clinic over many years, making more than a hundred trips for interviews, infusions, tests and scans, including dozens of MRIs, despite her claustrophobia. Her hope was that her contribution to this science might bring about new treatments and even a cure.

Pam’s heart led her to serve, to love deeply, and to give fully - to her family, her friends, and her community.

A funeral service will be held at 3:00 pm on Thursday, August 14th, at Lovers Lane United Methodist Church, followed by a celebration of life and reception to share memories, fellowship, and honor Pam.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes any gesture that continues Pam’s legacy of love, service, and dedication to others.

Education & Youth Support
Honoring her commitment to public education
- Donate books or establish a classroom library at a local elementary school
- Volunteer time at a school, youth program, or literacy organization
- Support educational initiatives through local PTA chapters

Medical Research
Honoring her courageous participation in Alzheimer's research
- Donate to UT Southwestern's Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute
- Donate to the Alzheimer's Association for continued research and family support

Living Memorials
Honoring her nurturing heart and love of helping things grow
- Plant a tree or create a garden in her memory
- Donate to local beautification or community garden projects

Acts of Service
Honoring her heart for service
- Volunteer with organizations that serve children and parents in your community
- Perform acts of kindness in your community in Pam’s name

Or choose any gesture that honors Pam and her legacy - remember her, share her love, and carry forward the kindness she brought to the world.