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Pamela Jo Denton

Jun. 14, 1949 - Jul. 21, 2022

Date of Service: Jul. 27, 2022

BURLEY – Pamela Jo Denton returned to the eternal arms of the Lord on July 21, 2022, and was surrounded by her loving family as she began her journey home.

June 14, 1949, marked her entrance into this world. She was the daughter of Joe and Adreane Wadsworth and the sister to two brothers and three sisters. Pam spent her early childhood in Monteview, Idaho, lending a helping hand on the family farm and finding trouble with her siblings and multiple cousins.

Pamela met the love of her life, Lanny James Denton in 1974. He soon became a loving father to her three growing boys, Gene, Mark and Daniel. Their family became complete with the addition of their daughter, Angela Jo. Family was everything to Pamela and was her greatest accomplishment. She was a momma bear and protected her kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids with her entire being. Her favorite times were spent surrounded by family as they all gathered at her and Lanny’s home. The Fourth of July was especially special to Pamela, after all, she was an “all-American girl” being born on Flag Day. She was an artist and was blessed with the gift of working with metal, which she learned from her father. She loved gardening and cherished each year as the daisy and poppy seeds, given to her by her momma, came into bloom and brightened the world.

Pamela was a strong and beautiful warrior and was born with a heart for serving others. She worked for Health and Welfare as a child-protection case worker and later in life as a caregiver. She loved and was loved by many people and could have written a book about the many shenanigans and people she met during the Ponderosa and 5th Amendment years. She went on to become the Queen of Pain and owner of Muscle on Main where she built lifelong friendships. Pam also went on to earn multiple bodybuilding titles at the age of 40 and beyond. Remarkably she did this while being a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Already missing her is her husband of 48 years, Lanny James Denton; and her children, Gene (Ladonna) Cope, Daniel Denton, and Angela (Michael) Oliver; along with her grandchildren, Christa and Raymond (Nicole) Cope, Mark Denton, and Riley (Patty) and Damon Oliver; and great grandchildren, Lexzi and McKenna Cope, Lucas, Xander and Killian Cope, and Penelope Oliver; and her three sisters, Vicki Brashear, Robin Raabe, and Kim Bedke.

Pamela’s life came full circle as she is now reunited with her two sons, Raymond Boyd and Mark Douglas; her grandson, Jessie James Denton; her two brothers, Jeff and Kelly Wadsworth; and her parents, Joe and Adreane Wadsworth.

The family is beyond grateful to the loving and attentive staff at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, St. Luke’s Boise, Horizon Hospice and the amazing transport team that brought Pamela home to be with her family.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 27, at Grace Community Church, located at 100 N. Meridian, in Rupert, under the direction of Pastor Travis Turner. Family and friends may gather that evening at her sister, Kim Bedke’s home (825 S Boundary, in Heyburn) at 6 p.m. to share stories and celebrate her life.

Condolences for Pamela Jo Denton

Comments may be screened and removed by the staff as deemed appropriate.

From John Walsh:

I knew Pam from the early days at the Ponderosa and then at the 5th. She was always a wonder to me: always full of life; always with a smile, a laugh, a kind word.
Living here in western New York for
Several years, it's the losses that
Draw me close to my Idaho home. My
Condolences to Lanny and family.

From Leonard and April Mullen:

We are so sad to hear of Pam's passing. We shared grandchildren with her and Lanny. Heartfelt prayers for Lanny and her children. We loved being apart of her family. She is deeply missed by all. Love to all.

From Linda:

No better Best Friend shall I ever have.
I love and miss you, my friend.

From Glen Larson:

Hey Pam. Thanks for the pleasant memories. We miss you.
Carol Larson, Marie Hanzel Larson and Glen Larson

From Debi:

Pam was such a amazing lady she is going too be so missed... Prayers for the family I am so very sorry for your loss ...

From Jessica E. :

I’m devastated to hear this. Pam helped my grandma through so much and the helped me through a lot when I lost my grandma. She truly was a one of a kind and one of the most wonderful ladies. My heart breaks for the family and every other life she has touched.

From Kim needs:

Oh how I loved this lady. She holds a very special place in my heart. I am truly sorry.

From Amie Halstead :

Pam was such a positive and loving person. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family, our family will all miss her

From Mary Day:

My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I was blessed to get two of her metal firepits she made for my children. Will miss you my friend.RIP

From Brandy:

So sorry for your loss if you need anything plz let me know

From Steve & Marcia Lynch:

Very sorry to hear about the passing of Pam!!
Our sincere condolences to the family.

From Dave Tracy:

I worked closely with Pam when she worked at Health and Welfare and on some issues at Muscle on Main. I am truly shocked at her passing. My condolences to her family. I considered her a close friend.

From Carla Mortenson :

Pamela, to say she was beautiful sounds too simple. Her entire being radiated goodness, she was so much fun to be with, a wonderful sense of humor, we laughed out loud until tears run down our cheeks! I am a better person from knowing her, she rubs off on you that way! Flying with her angels brings us all peace. God bless her family, she was devoted to each of you. Lanny may you have joy in your heart knowing she is at rest.

From Brian & Deb Barlow :

To Lanny and your family, so sorry for your loss. You’re in our thoughts and prayers.

From Dale Jafek:

So sorry for your loss, Lanny, I know how you feel.

From Donetta Hayes:

So sorry for your loss Denton family
Pam was such a fun energetic gal.

From Shellie (Bunn) Bealer & Family:

All our love, thoughts and prayers to her family during this time. She will truly be missed by so many. Her beautiful smile would light up a room, just like Angela's.

From Joan Irigoyen - Newton:

We loved Pam. She had a hand in setting my husband and I up on our first date. Prayers to all of her family and friends.

From Lisa Kamachi:

This is a stunning loss. To Lanny and the family, please accept our sincerest condolences. Pam (Pooterhead) was the first friend I made when I moved to Burley 38 years ago.. She was fun, and funny, fiercely loyal and loving, and everyone's best cheerleader/motivator.

From Dana Gunnell:

I am so very sorry to hear about her passing. Pam was such a fun person to work with. She had a contagious laugh and a twinkle in her eye. She loved people, and people loved her. Prayers for her family at this time.

From Lu Brower:

So sorry to hear of Pam’s passing. Loved her like a sister for many years. I used to refer to her as “Devil Woman” because she worked me so hard in aerobics. She’d just laugh and work me harder. What a wonderful person and friend she was to me. I know she will be greatly missed.

From Maria Hadden :

May she Rest In Peace. She was such an amazing friend and instructor for many many years she influenced many. Will truly be missed, our prayers go out to the family

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