Pamela Kay Craine passed away peacefully at her home in Andover, Kansas, on Thursday evening, April 30, 2026, at the age of 81.

Pamela was born in Wichita, Kansas, on March 1, 1945, to John Wesley and Goldie Mae Hampton, as the youngest of two daughters. During her childhood, the family relocated to Missouri, where Pamela grew up in the Affton area. Shortly after graduating from high school, she married John Craine, and together they had two children, Kelly and Jason.

After more than 26 years of marriage, Pamela began a new chapter in St. Charles, Missouri, where she raised her son Jason while also caring for her parents for many years until their passing.

While living in St. Charles, Pamela developed deep lifelong friendships, many through her church family. She looked forward to worshipping alongside them each week and cherished the many gatherings and celebrations they shared throughout the years. During difficult seasons of life, her church family often stepped in with quiet acts of kindness and support that meant a great deal to her. Pamela also ministered to others herself, including co-facilitating a Divorce Care ministry at her church.

Throughout her life, Pamela held several jobs. Early on, she served as a bank teller at Gravois Bank. After Jason was born, Pamela stepped away from banking to care for children in her home. Later, she became the music secretary at Ridgecrest Baptist Church, where she faithfully served for 25 years until retirement.

In 2024, Pamela returned to Kansas to be closer to her children and youngest grandchildren, something she had looked forward to for many years. She treasured simple moments together, whether going on drives, trying local restaurants, shopping, or gathering at home with family. Her grandchildren especially loved spending the night at Grandma's house, and she loved having them there.

Pamela appreciated the simple beauty of life, especially wildflowers, sunsets, and outdoor scenery, and she almost always had a camera nearby to capture what she saw. She also found joy in helping others, whether assisting with projects around the house, picking up grandchildren from school, caring for pets, or offering thoughtful advice and encouragement.

Pamela was known for her resilience, thoughtful nature, and willingness to help others without being asked. More than anything, she loved being together with the people she cared about. Her presence brought comfort, steadiness, and encouragement to those around her, and her family will deeply miss the everyday moments they shared with her.

Pamela was preceded in death by her parents and her sister. She is survived by her children, Kelly (John) and Jason (Jessica); her grandchildren, John (Heather), Brendall, Beckett, Kelton, and Kennedi; and numerous extended family members. Despite the many challenges she faced throughout life, her faith in Jesus never wavered. While her family knows they will see her again someday in Heaven, she will be deeply missed until that sweet reunion comes.

A private interment ceremony will be held graveside later this summer in Troy, Missouri, where Pamela will be buried beside her parents.

In lieu of flowers, Pamela's family suggests memorial gifts to Victory in the Valley, a non-profit organization supporting cancer patients and their families in the Wichita area. Pamela fought breast cancer for nearly 25 years, and her own life was touched by this organization. Any donations made in her honor will help others experience the same support and blessings that Pamela did. You can visit them online by following this link: https://www.victoryinthevalley.org/donate