Pamela Merchant

Pamela Sue Merchant, age 67, was called home on November 1, 2016 at St. Francis Hospital due to cancer. Born April 10, 1949 in Sioux City, IA, Pam was the second of five children of Florence & Ivan Walters. She was confirmed in 1963 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Sioux City. In 1964, her family relocated to Worthington, MN. She married Colin Merchant February 13, 1965. Their only child, Heather, was born in 1977. 51 years of marriage, including 27 years of military service, allowed them to call many places home including Ft. Huachuca, AZ, Anchorage, AK, St. Louis, MO, Houston, TX, and Wichita, KS. Pam loved children and enjoyed being at ELF Childrens Learning Center, where she taught for 19 years. She was known affectionately by the children as "Miss Pam." In addition to children, Pamela had love and compassion for animals and spent over 10 years volunteering at Lifeline Animal Placement and Protection no-kill animal shelter with her daughter. She was also an active member of Animal Outreach of Kansas and became a dedicated vegetarian in her later years. Pam is survived by her husband, Colin; daughter, Heather; brother, Gary (Darci) Walters. She is preceded in death by her parents, Ivan and Florence Walters; brothers, Craig, Leon, and Ronnie Walters; and numerous beloved rescued cats and dogs. A memorial service will be held at Downing & Lahey East on Thursday, November 17, 2016 at 2:00 p.m., with reception following. Memorial donations may be sent to LAPP, 310 W. 45th St. N., Wichita, KS 67204.