Pam Hess

Pamela Joyce (Johnson) Hess of Traverse City, Michigan passed away on October 8, 2024, at the age of 80. Pamela was born in South Bend, Indiana on August 31, 1944, to the late Denver and Veda (Stratton) Johnson. On June 21, 1966 Pamela married Charles L Hess, III. They were married for 58 years.

Pamela graduated from Mishawaka High School in 1962, and she graduated from Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in 1965. She continued to work at Memorial Hospital until 1982. During that period she was offered the opportunity to lead an experiment in outpatient surgery and became the director of that effort for three years. Following her husband's career, she spent the next 40 years caring for patients at a number of hospitals in many cities. In one of her locations, she served as a neonatal intensive care nurse, and she had a passion for taking care of pregnant women and babies.

In retirement, she was an active member of her church, and she recognized the need for supporting mothers and families in her community. After traveling around the state to research other pantries, she created the West Bay Baby Pantry in 2016.

Pamela was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to many, and she will be missed by all.

Pamela is survived by her beloved husband, Charles, her children Chuck (Kathleen) Hess and Cheryl Hess (Jeff Umshares), and her grandchildren Charles Hess, Ethan Umshares, and Emily Umshares.

Pamela was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Dennis Johnson.

A funeral service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at West Bay Covenant Church, 12720 S. West Bay Shore Road, Traverse City, MI. Family will welcome visitors a hour prior to the service from 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made in Pam's honor to the West Bay Covenant Church or the West Bay Baby Pantry.