Pamela Harris was born September 6, 1943, in Toledo, Ohio, and grew up in Table Grove, Illinois. She is the daughter of James (Wink) and Celia Harris. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and her sister, Connie Baltzelle.
Pamela married Gary Sigler on January 10, 1965, at Table Grove Christian Church in Table Grove, IL. In January of this year, they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.
Pamela graduated from V.I.T. High School in 1961 and attended Western Illinois University and Colorado State University. It was while attending Colorado State University that Pamela met Gary. Later, while Gary was stationed in Texas, Pamela graduated from Texas Tech with a BA in 1965. In 1995 she earned her master’s degree at Maryville University of St. Louis.
Besides family, Pamela’s greatest devotion was to her Quarter Horses. She rode most of her life and loved to share her equestrian experiences with others. In 1963, Pamela earned the title of Illinois State Rodeo Queen and competed in the National Rodeo Queen contest in Las Vegas. She always felt her teaching career dovetailed with her passion for working with horses.
The earliest years of their marriage were spent at Air Force bases in Texas, South Carolina and Idaho. When Gary was stationed in Thailand, November 1966, Pamela, and their daughter, Becky, moved back to the Harris family farm Table Grove, Illinois. When Gary was shot down on April 29, 1967, there was nowhere else Pamela could imagine being than in her beloved hometown. During this time Pamela taught at school in Bushell, Illinois, for a total of 14 years. Later as they moved to Indiana and Missouri, she continued teaching at Sacred Heart, Eureka, Missouri, substituting in Indiana, and completed her teaching career at Pacific High School in Missouri. At each move Pamela relished the idea of working with new students and often was the Cheerleading Coach.
In 2002, Gary and Pamela moved to Springfield Illinois to be closer to family. Since that time, Pamela loved living in the country, raising her dogs, and watching her family grow.
Surviving is one daughter, Becky (Tim) Straley of Vero Beach, FL; one son, Zac (Abbey) Sigler of St. Louis, MO; seven grandchildren, Elizabeth (Adam) Pritchard, Nicole (Will) Harrisson, Heather Straley, Gracelia Straley, Alex Straley, Evelyn Sigler, and Barrett Sigler; three great grandchildren; one sister, Jamell (Jeff) Adkisson, one sister-in-law, Judy (Jack) Makens; Ellen (Engel) Harlow, and several nieces and nephews.
Cremation rites were accorded.
The funeral will be held at 10:30 am on Friday, September 19th, at the Harris Cemetery in Table Grove, IL.
Memorials may be made to St. Louis County Police Welfare Association, 7900 Forsyth Blvd, Clayton, MO 63105 or the Table Grove Community Fire Station.
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