PAMELLA (ATKISON) FRENCH

There are rare people who come into our lives and we know immediately we've been graced by a brilliant light, with a joyful spirit and bright mind, whose ease brings comfort to the soul. That is how we know and will always remember Pam French. Our beloved Pam passed away on July 20, at the University Of Washington Medical Center after complications following heart surgery. She battled courageously for quite some time while enduring much pain and multiple medical procedures.

Pam was born August 31, 1944 in Garfield, Washington to Glen and Claudine Atkison. Pam attended school in Potlatch, Idaho, a community that embraced her as much as she embraced life.  She married her high school sweetheart, Darrel French on June 30, 1962 and they recently celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary. Darrel and Pam shared many wonderful adventures together like boating, fishing, camping and spending time with friends and family.  They especially enjoyed traveling in their RV with their dogs. Pam loved her pets and had a special affection for dachshunds. In fact, it would be typical to be greeted by several of them if you had the pleasure of visiting the French home.   Pam was kind, funny, respectful and loving. Words cannot completely express the magnitude of our loss, our sadness runs deep and our hearts ache, she will be greatly missed but we take comfort in knowing she is no longer in pain and in the arms of her Savior. 

Survivors include her husband Darrel, her children, Darin French (Michelle) , Michelle Vitale (Kevin); 5 grandchildren; Stephanie Anderson, (Ben), Brandon French, (Katherina), Melisa Voss, Morganne Vitale and Alexa Vitale;  and 9 great-grandchildren. Her brother, Tim Atkison,(Nan), sister Kathy Preppernau, (Paul), sister-in-law’s, Carol Ownbey, (Randy),and Linda Murray, (Joe), brother in law, Larry French.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday August 4 at the Church of the Nazarene in Princeton, Idaho 1008 Gold Hill Road, Princeton 83857, with Pastor Kathy Kramer officiating. A reception will follow at the church.

Memorial donations may be made to the Potlatch Fire and Ambulance, P.O. Box 63, Potlatch, ID 83855. The family will forever be grateful for all their help, being there for Pam when needed. 

Kramer Funeral Home of Palouse, WA is handling the arrangements.  You are invited to leave online condolences and order flowers for the family at www.kramercares.com.

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