Pamela Jo Jackson, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, passed away peacefully at her home in Clancy, Montana, on October 14, 2025, at the age of 70. She was surrounded by her loving family and passed after a battle with liver disease that contributed to heart failure.
Pam was born on September 30, 1955, in Wagner, South Dakota, to Ralph and Violet Dobesh and lived in Burke, South Dakota, throughout her childhood. It was in South Lake Tahoe, Nevada working keno at Harveys Casino, that she met her husband, Gary Jackson, and the two were married in South Lake Tahoe on April 30, 1983.
For 43 years, Pam worked as a hairdresser, but for her, it was more than a career, it was her ministry and what she loved the most; a place where she served and cared for others. Pam also spent many years sharing her excitement for fitness by working as a step aerobics teacher. Pam’s further hobbies reflected her enthusiasm and active spirit, often blending quality time with her husband, Gary, with a passion for working with her hands. They shared many adventures in the great outdoors, including fishing, hiking, camping, skiing, and traveling (mostly to tropical locations). When at home, Pam found delight in a variety of creative pursuits including gardening, cooking/baking, sewing and knitting. Pam’s greatest joy in life though was serving others. Whether giving encouraging words of advice or embracing someone with a big hug and kiss, Pam’s love was evident in everything she did.
A woman after God’s heart, Pam was a devoted member of Mount Helena Community Church. Her top priority in life was spending time with her family and raising her children and grandchildren to know and love the Lord.
Pam is survived by her husband, Gary; son, Landon (Nikki); daughter, Lacey (Chris); and her four cherished grandchildren, Aubree, Kasen, Aiden, and Adalyn. She is also survived by her sisters, Deb, Kate, Cheryl, Deanne; her brothers, Rod and Rick, as well as her brother-in-law, Steve. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Violet, her sister Sandy, and her mother and father-in-law, Dottie and Jack.
A Celebration of Life will be held in her honor on November 6 at 1:00 p.m. at Mount Helena Community Church, with a reception to follow. All who knew and loved Pam are invited to attend. Expressions of sympathy can be sent to 29 Bridle Bit Loop, Clancy, MT 59634.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
1:00pm
Thursday November 6, 2025
Mount Helena Community Church
1710 National Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Celebration of Pam's Life
Thursday November 6, 2025
Mount Helena Community Church
1710 National Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
1:00pm
Thursday November 6, 2025
Mount Helena Community Church
1710 National Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Celebration of Pam's Life
Thursday November 6, 2025
Mount Helena Community Church
1710 National Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
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The Scott's says
We were so saddened to hear of the sudden loss of Pam. She was such a sweet person! Continued prayers are being sent to Gary, their children, and grandchildren. Please let us know if you need anything.
Donna Coman says
Gary & Family,
I was so shocked & saddened to see this. I am so sorry for your loss. Pam was a very special person . She was loved by so many. When I would have her do my hair I always got a big hug & an “ I love you” . I just received an email from her on Monday.
Dee says
Gary, Lacey and Landon, my heart is so very sad for all of you and families. This was such a shock to hear. I am so thankful Pam had such a strong walk with the Lord. It brings a comfort at such a sad time. It’s been awhile since I saw her but my last time was so fun at Terry and Ian’s playing shuffle board. Keep your memories close!! God Bless!! Dee❤️❤️
Teresa Dalton says
Gary, Lacey and Landon, We heard today and are in shock and heart broken. We have so many precious memories of hanging with you Gary and Pam. I think about deep conversations I had with her doing my hair..trying to teach me the guitar..she taught me Kings Korner..still.play it now..our camp trips..the list is too long of so many things. We love you all and extend our thoughts to all of her siblings and of course her grandchildren that she cherished. Hope to connect soon Gary.
Jennell Hazen Perros says
I am so sad to hear this news. I always enjoyed working with Pam in years past and she did my hair for a long time also. She was such a sweet person and I am so very sorry for your loss. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Lynn James says
I first met Pam when she would go to SonHeaven Assisted Living and fix my mom‘s hair. She and my mom, Reba Alexander, were great pals! Pam had a big heart for the elderly, and my mom benefitted from Pam’s providing a weekly infusion of joy.
After my mom died, I began getting haircuts from Pam—ten years of sitting in her chair, hearing about her family, trips taken, recipes, her extended family in South Dakota and their yearly reunions! My very short hair didn’t take very long to cut, but in that short amount of time we covered a lot of conversational territory!
I was so fond of Pam and she knew it. Despite the shock and profound sense of loss (just learned today about her death), I am reassured in the knowledge that Pam knew I really loved her. And the feeling was mutual! Like other clients/friends I seldom left her shop without a hug. She was not shy about sharing her love.
I will miss her so much. I am so grateful to have known her.
Love and blessings during this painful time,
Lynn James
Pamala Lund says
I was so shocked and saddened to see Pam had passed!! I’ve known her for a long time as I followed her around town from one hair salon to another and she would cut and color my hair!! We would visit and catch up. She was such a sweet lady !!! I’m so sorry for your loss!!
Pamela Osnes says
It’s hard to imagine that a person so full of life and vitality is no longer here. She was a fun, energetic classmate who I’ll remember fondly always. Rest in peace, dear Pam. My thoughts are with your family at this very difficult time.
Karen Shawler says
I knew Pam was having some health sues, but no idea how serious. She always kept a smile and hug. When my husband was very ill, she’d come to our house to spruce him up. We were so thankful for her. Out of her kindness she did something awesome at his funeral, that I’ll never forget. She was my hairdresser for 12 years. We’d always catch up on our families going on. Pam was a sweetheart and still is as an Angel in heaven. I miss her deeply and her big hugs. My love to Gary and all her family
Pat Shields says
I have been out of the country and tried to contact Pam when I returned. As so many have said, shocked and so saddened to learn of her death. She seemed to love everyone and always had a hug and great conversation to share over a hair appointment.
I have such sympathy for her family; she so loved you all and was proud of all of you. There are no words to comfort you, I hope the memories you have of happier times will sustain you as you figure out how to manage without her.
Jean Branscum says
My greatest sympathy on your loss. Pam was a very special person and feel blessed to have been touched by her vibrancy, compassion, and faith through her professional services. Her love and pride of her family shined through her stories. I hope those memories and your faith sustain you through this difficult time.
Kathy Keller says
I am missing part of my heart. It is in heaven with Pam. Kathy
The Nelson’s says
The Dobesh’s and Nelson’s. Sisters and brothers from different mothers (who must be together looking down on your family now). Grieving with you, always with you.
Love, Doc and Chris’s kids. Your forever neighbors.