Pamela Ann (Meek) Willsie, 77, a lifelong Traverse City resident, died peacefully at Munson Hospice House of complications from cancer after a brief hospice stay.
The very definition of a horse-lover, Pam was born to Kenneth and Juanita (Schoandorf) Meek (of Traverse City) in 1944 in Cadillac. A graduate of Traverse City High School, she is survived by her son, James McCall Jr. (wife, Nicole) of Traverse City. Grandson, Jacob McCall, (wife, Carly, and their daughter, Lucy) of Traverse City and grandson, Kaaden Bewley, of San Luis Obispo, CA. Pam's longtime friend, Doug Courtad of Traverse City, also survives.
Pam will certainly be remembered for her unique sense of humor. She was able to pierce the thickest skin in a single sentence. Those who were ever on the receiving end of such jabs know what we are referring to. Never one to mince words, Pam loved to dish it out as she pleased.
Pam owned and cared for horses her entire life - even if they weren't her own, she took them in and assumed responsibility for their feeding and well-being. A longtime member of the Michigan Trail Riders Association, as well as the American Quarter Horse Association, she raised and rode running quarter horses, and shared that passion with her entire family, especially the grandchildren.
Pam was an equal-opportunity giver, working as a lunchroom monitor for decades at Traverse City West Junior High, and ultimately retiring as a bus driver for the Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS). When she initially was diagnosed and treated for non-Hodgkin lymphoma between 2003 and 2005, a fundraising spaghetti dinner was attended by nearly 1,000 family, friends and her admirers.
Pam's seven-acre horse farm has always been a happy place for her pets including her horse, Drifter, dog, Adrian, and cat, Augie. She loved any animal species that needed someone to care for them. Her life will be celebrated this summer, on a date and location to be determined, which is the way she preferred to be remembered - family and friends enjoying themselves in the great outdoors.
Those wishing an expression of sympathy may choose to consider a contribution to Peace Ranch 2570 Hoosier Valley Rd. Traverse City, MI 49685 or by visiting www.peaceranchtc.com .
A CELEBRATION OF LIFE GATHERING WILL TAKE PLACE ON JULY 16 FROM 11a-3p ON PAM'S PROPERTY. PLEASE CALL THE FUNERAL HOME FOR ADDRESS
Pam and her family are being cared for by the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.