Pam S. Everhart, 66, of Atlantic, IA, passed away at home, Sunday, January 22, 2017. Words do not do her justice. She adored her husband, Eldon, gave amazing hugs, and exuded love. She was exceptionally intelligent, accepting of all, always willing to try something new, had a beautiful smile, and moved through life with grace and dignity - like an angel.

Pamela Sue was born on February 11, 1950, in Estherville, IA, the daughter of Donovan Stoner and Dorothy Biedermann. Her family lived on an idyllic farm near Dunnell, MN until they moved to a cozy house in Sherburn, MN. Pam graduated from Sherburn High School in 1968. Then, her independent spirit led her to attend Flight Attendant School in Kansas City, MO. While in Kansas City, she worked for Macmillan Publishing Company, a job which she relished.

Pam moved to Emmetsburg, Iowa in 1976. Because family was paramount, she was delighted to be near her mother and sister, who lived in town. Her love for learning led her to attend Iowa Lakes Community College (ILCC), where she met her adoring, future husband, Dr. Eldon Everhart. They joyfully married on May 20, 1978, under the trees and amongst the gardens of their backyard. Pam worked as a waitress at a local bar, and, just to be close to her, Eldon became a part-time dishwasher. Additionally, he started the horticulture program at ILCC. After their daughters were born, Lindsey in 1979 and Sydney in 1982, Pam took on the roles of selfless mother and homemaker. In 1987, they moved to Atlantic, IA when Eldon accepted a position as horticulture specialist with Iowa State University. While the girls were in school, Pam worked as a seamstress from 1995-1998 at DeLong's in Atlantic.

She cherished memories of annual three-week, family camping trips throughout the U.S.; they never visited the same place twice. Together, the couple traveled the world. In early 2010, she took in the sites of Las Vegas with Sydney, an experience treasured by both. Later that year, she and Eldon visited Egypt. For her, it was a dream come true! They saw everything she had hoped for: the Great Pyramid, the Sphinx, and more. They traveled the Nile via riverboat, from Alexandria to Luxor. Their tour guides were enthralled by Pam’s wit and sweet personality.

In 2015, she became a fan of cruising, which she described as “utterly luxurious”. She especially enjoyed afternoon tea, nightly formal dinners, and the evening turndown service. After that transatlantic cruise, with stops in Horta, France, and Belgium, they toured the U.K. and Ireland. Her love of ancient civilizations made Stonehenge and Hadrian's Wall her favorite sites. She also delighted in a visit to Highclere Castle, where Downton Abbey was filmed. In the spring of 2016, they explored New Zealand and Australia, where Pam reveled in the myriad of environments and wildlife. They returned to North America on a transpacific cruise, with stops in New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji, American Samoa, and Hawaii. They followed it with a week in the Pacific Northwest. Last December, they traveled to Denver and visited many historic sites. Then, they went to Emmetsburg for a marvelous reunion with her siblings.

Pam enjoyed sewing and embroidery; she sewed outstanding Halloween costumes for the girls. Most of all, she loved books, including books about archaeology, spirituality, cooking, health, mysteries, and a plethora of other topics. As a result, she had an astounding vocabulary. She was better than Google; her family called her “the walking dictionary”!

Her caring spirit included a love of pets. In Kansas City, she rescued a kitten, Teka, who was intensely jealous of Eldon at first. They eventually got along, and Teka lived to be 20! Pam still spoke fondly of her cocker spaniel, Sam, whom she doted on from 1989-1998. Recently, cats Annie and Lily satisfied her need to love and be loved by animals.

Pam will be deeply missed by her devoted husband of 38 years, Eldon; daughters, Lindsey Everhart of Atlantic, IA and Sydney (Tyler Hornby) Everhart of Lincoln, NE; sister, Judy (Tom) Murphy of Emmetsburg; brothers, Craig (Cathy) Brandt of Round Rock, TX, Mike (Janet) Brandt of Pine, AZ, and David (Deb) Brandt of Sherburn, MN; and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Donovan Stoner and Dorothy Biedermann; and sister, Peggy Brandt.

The family will hold a Celebration of Pam's Life on February 3 at 10:00 AM, followed by lunch, at Martin-Mattice Funeral Home in Emmetsburg, IA.

Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic, IA is caring for Pam's family and her arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.