Pamela Ann Elwood, 78, passed away peacefully at Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines in the early morning hours of January 28th, 2025.
Pam, the daughter of Shelby and Pearl (Carr) Agan, was born on September 22, 1946, in Des Moines, Iowa. She graduated from Tech High School in 1964.
Pam had two children and five grandsons, who were the greatest joys of her life. She was their biggest cheerleader and supporter, and they, in turn, adored her.
Pam worked for the State of Iowa in the Inspections and Appeals Department, retiring in 2010 after more than 20 years of service. She made lifelong friends during her career, many of whom remained in touch with her until the very end. Always eager to help, Pam was the go-to person for technical assistance, and she loved solving problems for others.
Pam was the sweetest, most polite, patient smartest, and most stubborn woman you could ever meet, but she had a heart of gold. She would give you anything she had, even if it meant she had nothing left for herself. There will never be another Pam—if you knew her, you loved her.
She had a passion for scrapbooking, photography, collecting tins, collecting gnomes, plants, cooking and baking. In the first months of her retirement, she even gave her second-oldest grandson cooking lessons in the afternoons. In recent years, she cooked Sunday lunch for her two youngest grandsons, a tradition they cherished. Pam also loved playing cards with neighbors, gathering for potlucks, and bringing her family together whenever possible. She deeply missed the Annual Agan Reunion.
Pam enjoyed watching The Young and the Restless, The Price Is Right, and the news. She often joked, “I couldn’t live without TV.” She had an infectious laugh, a great sense of humor, and an incredible ability to understand and love people unconditionally.
Pam is lovingly remembered by her brother, Mike (Judy) Agan; son, Jerry Elwood Jr. of Des Moines; grandsons, Zachary Elwood of Des Moines, Skyler (Hannah) Elwood of Des Moines, and Justin (MacKenzie) Farnsworth; and great-grandson, Crew Farnsworth. The boys would often say, “Grandma Pam is the greatest grandma in the world—if she doesn’t go to heaven, there isn’t one.”
She was the youngest of 13 siblings and was preceded in death by her parents, seven brothers, four sisters, daughter Shelly Farnsworth (Elwood), grandson Jacob Farnsworth, and many other relatives and friends.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses, doctors, and staff at Lutheran Hospital in 3N and the ICU.
Services for Pamela will be held at Sunset Memorial Chapel (7601 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA 50321) on Tuesday, February 4th at 10AM.
