Pamela Jean Farris, affectionately known as Pam or Pammy to her friends and family, passed away peacefully on February 25, 2025, in Emporia, Kansas. She was born on November 11, 1958, at Fort Riley, Kansas. Pam’s journey through life was one marked by devotion to her loved ones and serving others.
Pam’s early years were spent moving with her family to different duty stations where her father was assigned with the Army. Fort Riley was always a home base because her mother’s family lived in the area. Pam’s dad was stationed at Fort Riley four different times over the course of his military career. She and both her sisters were born at the same hospital during different tours of duty. She also lived at Fort Knox, Kentucky and on Oahu, Hawaii.
Pam graduated from Bennington High School, Bennington Ks. Later she went on to obtain her degree as a paralegal from Lamson Jr. College in Mesa, Arizona. Pam’s career was as diverse and dynamic as her interests. She initially served as the financial aid advisor at her alma mater, guiding students with kindness and expertise. Her entrepreneurial spirit later brought her back to her Kansas roots, where she managed Flagstop Campground at Milford, Ks. She also operated several successful cleaning services in her professional life.
Pam’s professional journey eventually led her to Emporia, Ks. where she managed Graphic Arts Storage and then found her calling in serving Grace Methodist Church as the secretary and treasurer. It was here that Pam’s faith blossomed. Jesus Christ, the one and only son of God became her true north. She shared her faith freely and consistently met the needs of others. Pam loved everyone unconditionally.
A creative soul, Pammy found joy and solace in crafting. She had a unique talent for transforming ordinary materials into cherished keepsakes, such as the intricately designed Christmas trees adorned with lace, ribbon, and lockets filled with family photos. Pam’s love for the outdoors was evident in her passion for fishing and gardening. Friends and family fondly recall how she could spend countless, quiet hours with fishing pole in hand. Her gardens were a testament to her nurturing spirit, always blooming with more than enough vegetables to share.
Pam’s inquisitive nature was also evident in her meticulous research into her family heritage. She was an avid genealogist, tracing her paternal lineage back multiple generations and keeping detailed records that will serve as a treasured legacy for those she leaves behind.
Pamela was preceded in death by her parents, Troy and Waneta Bowman, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins (Ray and Irene Cardwell, David and Della King, Noah and Clarence Bowman, Kathy Davis, and Monte Cardwell). Her memory will be cherished and kept alive by her loving family. She is survived by her daughter, Sarah Wolf of Emporia, Kansas, and her son, Kevin Dormanen of Virginia, Minnesota. Her spirit lives on in her two sisters, Debby Kriley-Brown and Cynthia Paul (Dennis) and her brother, Doug Bowman (Julie). Pam’s legacy will be carried forward by her granddaughters, Rachel Morgan and Kira Dormanen, and her grandson, Conner Dormanen. She also leaves behind an aunt, Vonnie Bryant, and cousins Sue Allen, Scott Johnston (Rita), Joe King (Myra), Beth King, and Ray Bowman. Pam was blessed in life with many other family members, all of whom she loved immeasurably.
Pam’s life was a beautiful tapestry woven with love, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to her faith, family, and community. Her absence will be deeply felt by all who knew her, and her memory will continue to inspire those left behind. As we bid farewell to Pamela Jean Farris, we celebrate a life well-lived and a heart that loved without bounds. Her legacy of kindness and family devotion will endure through the many lives she touched.
The service for Pamela Jean Farris will be held at Grace Methodist Church on March 29, 2025 at 11:00 am. The church is located at 2 Neosho, Emporia, Ks. The burial will take place at Milford Cemetery, Milford, KS at a later date.
