Pamela “Pam” Kaye Neel, 74, of Richwood, died early Saturday morning, July 8, 2017, at The Ohio State University Medical Center following nearly a year-long battle with cancer.
She worked for North Union Schools for more than 20 years, retiring in 2002 to provide care for her diabetic grandson, Cody, and later to welcome home her two new grandchildren from Russia, Emma and Eli. When out and about, it was not uncommon for her to be greeted by her former students.
She was a loving and social woman. She enjoyed hosting friends and family for dinner parties, holidays or even game nights. Although she enjoyed many card games, she excelled at spoons.
She loved to shop, travel, dine out and go to the movies. However, most weekends and evenings, she was found attending one of her grandchildren’s activities and she cheered for their teammates equally.
Anyone who knew her knew her passion involved her family, especially her grandchildren. She enjoyed attending their music concerts, sporting events, robotics competitions and art shows. She was their biggest supporter. She adored her friends and treated them like family.
She was a dedicated member of the Richwood Church of Christ, where she was active with the women’s groups and Vacation Bible School.
She was born on Jan. 4, 1943, in Marion, to the late Paul and Ruby (Mitchell) Kaelber. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by a sister, Patricia Kaelber, and brother-in-law, Larry McGee.
She graduated from Richwood High School and met Don Neel, whom she married on Nov. 23, 1963, at the Richwood First Baptist Church. In addition to her husband, she is also survived by her daughter, Shelly (Todd) Mishler of Richwood; her son, Shawn Neel of Richwood; three grandchildren, Cody Neel, Emma Mishler and Eli Mishler; two sisters, Carolyn McGee of Marysville; Patti (Jim) Kreis of Marysville; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The Rev. Matthew Craig will officiate funeral services Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the Richwood Church of Christ. Burial will follow at the Claibourne Cemetery. Friends may call Tuesday from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home in Richwood.
Memorial gifts may be made to Richwood Church of Christ, 29063 Sivey Rd., Richwood, OH 43344, and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (www.jdrf.org), 26 Broadway, 14th Floor, New York City, NY 10004.
Condolences and remembrances may be expressed at www.stofcheck-ballinger.com.