Pamela Kay Slaathaug was born on May 25, 1953, to Milton and Emily (Sturgeon) Slaathaug. She passed away on the morning after her 72nd birthday.

Pam was born and raised in Summit, South Dakota, to Milton and Emily (Sturgeon) Slaathaug. She graduated from Summit High School.

Throughout her life, Pam faced challenges related to mental health and developmental disabilities. For nearly two decades, she lived at Valiant Living in Madison, an organization dedicated to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. The staff at Valiant provided Pam with love and care, helping her lead a fulfilling and joyful life. She thrived due to the compassionate care and opportunities available at Valiant, allowing her to live with dignity and purpose.

Pam loved the color purple, pop, chocolate, and playing games—she was exceptionally competitive at Yahtzee. She possessed an incredible memory, recalling the names and stories of everyone she met and loved sharing those stories with others. Her sharp wit and great sense of humor delighted those around her. Pam also enjoyed chunky jewelry, crafts, and nail polish.

She will be greatly missed by those who loved her, including her sister Dianne Jacobson and her husband Garry; her cherished nieces, Dawn Gerner and Robin Houwman, and their families; her close friends Peg Clark, Josie Lester, and Jewel Hagerty; and special friends, Amber Eggert, Hannah Coomes, and Jessica Morrison.

In heaven, she is reunited with her parents, Milton and Emily.

Her family is eternally grateful to the staff at Valiant, who held a special place in Pam's heart.