Pamela Martin

A strong, courageous, and hardworking woman, Pamela Martin accomplished so much of which to be proud, yet her greatest source of pride and joy was found in her family. She was gracious and kindhearted - the sort of person who was always looking for ways to give to those around her, and her genuine care and concern for others was easy to see. Pam devoted her life to caring for her children, and later in life she was filled with unspeakable joy to become a grandmother, too. Life was not without times of trial for her, but she faced whatever came her way with both grace and strength that were such an inspiration. Life will never be the same without Pam here, but her timeless legacy will be proudly carried on by those who follow in her footsteps. During the first half of the 1940s, the eyes of our nation were focused overseas as countless young servicemen and women were deeply entrenched in the throes of WWII. With the end of the war in 1945, there was much to celebrate as America and our allies were victorious in the fight for freedom. With servicemen and women returning home, families were growing and the new housing market was booming. It was while making the transition to being a nation at peace, once again that Ellis and Lucille (Provonche) Molby were pleased to announce the birth of the baby girl they named Pamela Jean on September 20, 1948, in Alden, Michigan. She was the youngest of three and raised in the family home tucked in-between Thayer Lake and Torch Lake in Northern Michigan alongside her older brothers, Guy and Douglas, who were 9 and 12 years older than she. Pams father owned a hardware store, but they also owned several summer rental cabins on Thayer Lake. Every summer Pamela enjoyed playing with the other children who were staying in the cabins. In many ways, Pam experienced a typical upbringing for the young girls of her time. She and her mother were close, and she treasured her family. As a student, Pamela attended Mancelona Schools where she played clarinet in the band. After graduating from Mancelona High School, she found secretarial work at the Michigan State Police post and then later at Consumers Power Company. It was Pams job at Consumers Power Company that proved to be quite fateful as it was there that she met the young man who would change the course of her life forever. His name William Bill Martin, and he also worked there. Pam and Bill began dating and soon found themselves in love. With a desire to establish a life together, they were married in the early 1970s. Pam and Bill eventually settled in Grawn Michigan, located just to the south of Traverse City where she worked at the nearby Pantry Shelf convenience store. Together they welcomed two children, Sandra in 1976 and Jason in 1977, into their hearts and home. Although her marriage ended in divorce soon after, Pam was forever grateful for the children they shared. Pam soon bought a house in Interlochen. While her kids were small, she ran a daycare out of her home and was known as the "neighborhood Mom". Pam loved taking care of kids, and she treated them all as if they were her own. When her children were older and in school, she began working at United Technologies making auto parts. Pam eventually found work as a courier for the lab at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City. Her route took her all over Northern Michigan with stops at various doctors offices and medical facilities. Pam truly enjoyed her work and got to know several people all over the area. As a mom, Pam was very active in the lives of her children. Although money was tight, her children always had everything they needed. Jason played hockey for many years, which meant that much of her time was devoted to getting him to and from all of his events. She also never missed one of the choir concerts or school activities that Sandra was a part of. Over the years, Pams children grew older, went to college, and became successful professionals who made her so very proud. She welcomed both her son-in-law and her daughter-in-law into the family, and Pam loved them as she did her own kids. She was overjoyed to become a grandmother, and she spent as much time with her grandchildren as she could. Pam was there when most of them were born, and she was there for their special days and events, too. Although much of her time involved her family, Pam did also enjoy keeping busy with other things. She had a group of friends with whom she enjoyed going out to dinner, heading to the beach, and going to the movies. Pam also enjoyed drawing. Over the years Pam had some health issues to contend with. While in her mid-fifties, she suffered a heart attack and also suffered with diabetes. As her health declined more, she eventually had to stop working and needed more help. Pam moved to Muskegon to be closer to her daughter so that Sandra could be more involved in her daily life, and after a stroke in 2014 she moved into assisted living at Sanctuary at the Oaks. That never stopped her from keeping in touch with her family. She would call her son's family every Veteran's Day because they were both in the military and birthdays were always a must. She had her ups and downs there, but their entire family always appreciated the wonderful care the staff provided. The Lord called her home on December 11. Even though she could be a bit opinionated and even outspoken when it came to things she was passionate about, her heart was as big as they come. She was compassionate and loving with generosity that was beyond measure. Pams greatest treasure was found in her family, and her devotion to her children and grandchildren was unmatched. Deeply loved, she will be forever missed. Pamela Jean Martin died on Friday, December 11, 2015. Pams family includes her daughter, Dr. Sandra (Rick) Moore DC of Muskegon; son, Dr. Jason (Nikki) Martin DDS of Ludington; grandchildren, Mitchell & Allison Moore, Maddison, Mya & Marrae Martin; brother, Guy (Connie) Molby of Alden; several nieces and nephews. Pam was preceded in death by her parents, Ellis and Lucille; grandson, William & brother, Douglas. Services will be held on Friday, December 18, 2015, 2:00 p.m. and visitation 1 hour prior at Life Story Funeral Home in Traverse City with Pastor Brian Blount officiating. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.