Pamela Sue Smith , age 71 and a lifelong resident of Elwood, passed away on Thursday, August 12, 2021 at her residence following a long battle with dementia.  She was born January 8, 1950 in Elwood, the daughter of Charles W. and Reva Mae (Davis) Beeman.  Pam attended Elwood schools.  She married the love of her life, Ara "Allen" Smith on January 18, 1966 at the United Christian Church in Elwood, and they shared over 55 years of marriage together.  Pam worked for over 25 years in the Elwood School system.  She first worked in the cafeteria at Oakland Elementary School and later became the head cook at the Elwood Junior High School.  She retired in 2006 from the Elwood school corporation.

She enjoyed listening to music, taking long walks, and solving crossword puzzles.  Pam was an excellent cook, and she loved nothing more than preparing meals for her family and being a homemaker.  She and Allen enjoyed numerous trips to Las Vegas in the spring of each year.  More than anything, Pam was absolutely devoted to her family and grandchildren, never missing a game or sporting event to watch them play.  Her family finds peace knowing she is perfectly whole again in Heaven surrounded by other family members.

Pam's family includes her husband, Allen Smith of Elwood; 3 daughters, Reva (Fred) Short of Elwood, Joani (Shawn) Eastman of Elwood, and Amy (Steve) Ruh of Mount Pleasant, WI; 4 siblings, Judy (Rick) Everson of Elwood, David Beeman of Elwood, Larry Beeman of Elwood, and Robert (Brenda) Beeman of Elwood; 7 grandchildren, Shauna (Justin) Austad of Elwood, Wesley (Erika) Smith, Sheena (Dez) Smith, Araka (Cameron) Bragg, Abbigail Smith (Korbin Buster), Shalee Fuller, and Holly Short; 5 great-grandchildren, Eleanor Smith, Enley Smith, Beau Bragg, Maverick Austad, and Lowen Buster; Nanny's little buddy, Julius Gerenscer; Allen's siblings, Peg Mackey, Skip (Shirley) Smith, Lilly Overby, Diane (Jerry) Holtsclaw, Phil Smith, David (Deb) Smith, and Kathy (Jim) Burris; and several nieces and nephews.  Pam was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Steve Beeman; and sister, Debra Hughes.

A funeral service celebrating Pam's life will be conducted at 11:00 am on Tuesday, August 17, 2021 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Pastor Mark Hahn of Southside Community Church officiating.  Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park in Elwood.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 4 to 8 pm on Monday, August 16, 2021 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home.   Health precautions for the safety of the family and visitors are appreciated along with social distancing.  Memorial contributions are suggested to the Alzheimer's Association through the funeral home.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at copherfeslermay.com.