Pamla J. (Smith) Hohn, age 77, of East Helena, passed away July 25, 2022.
Pam was born in Bremerton, Washington to Burnie and Mable Smith on February 12, 1945, where they were working in the Bremerton Ship Yard in support of the war effort. She joined Donna Mae and Burnie Jr., children from Burnie’s previous marriage.
The family moved back to Manhattan, Montana after the war, where Burnie operated the school buses for Manhattan Schools.
Pam attended school in Manhattan graduating in 1963. She bought her first Corvette in 1963 and went to California and landed a job with Mountain Bell Telephone and Telegraph Co. as a telephone operator. They told her she would “have a job for life”. She retired after 30 years’ service.
In 1981 she under took the task of building her life long dream “underground house”. She overcame many obstacles and setbacks to its construction but in the end prevailed and enjoyed her dream home until the end. Next to her Corvettes it was the thing she was most proud of.
On July 8, 2019 she married her longtime friend Jim Hohn.
In 2015 Pam was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and put up a valiant fight until the end. She was cared for at Spring Creek Inn in Bozeman, Mt. for 18 months preceding her death. She received excellent care and her family truly appreciates the care and compassion they gave her. She was returned to her beloved under ground house at the end.
Donations in Pam’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association or one of Pam’s favorite charities. Special K Ranch PO Box 479, Columbus, Montana 59109 or Shodair Children’s Hospital Foundation, 2755 Colonial Dr., Helena, Montana 59601 would be appreciated.
A Graveside service is scheduled for 1:00 p.m., Monday, August 8th, 2022 at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 7100 N Montana Ave.
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
1:00 p.m.
Monday August 8, 2022
Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery
7100 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
1:00 p.m.
Monday August 8, 2022
Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery
7100 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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ROBERT TEMPLE says
Pam was such a special person in our work group at 560 N Park.
Sorry for loss Jim.
Patrick M. Hughes says
I grew up knowing Pam and her father and mother. My grandmother lived in an apartment in their house for many years. My brother, Bill, escorted Pam to prom. Since I was older, although we knew one another, we did not have the kind of lasting relationship some had after she and I left Manhattan and went our separate ways in life. In the past couple of years, it was very interesting for me to hear from Pam, through Jim, about Bernie and Mabel and others in the family. Pam — as a young girl — was a very nice person, vibrant and full of life. By all accounts that’s how she was until the end of her life, although sadly affected by this terrible disease. She and her family will always have a place in my heart and in my memory for many reasons. I’m sure she is at peace now in a better place.
Bonnie isaak says
I was so shocked to hear about Pam. We were friends. She loved to go to the races. We went to several different states to watch them. She will truly be missed. Jim i am sorry for your loss.
Anna Olin Hoffman says
Pam was one of my best friends in high school and for years after graduation. We would touch base from time to time and catch up over a coke but then life got in the way and we seldom saw each other. She was one of the nicest, most loyal friends a person could have. We took a memorable trip to California the summer before our Junior and Senior years. Two teenagers headed to Anaheim in her folks’ big yellow car. While there, we picked up my brother Ted at Camp Pendleton and her aunt and uncle welcomed him as well. Ted had dated Pam in high school—I believe he took her to the Prom when she was Prom Queen. I ended up in Helena after graduating and Pam transferred here with Mountain Bell and we renewed our friendship, living in the same apartment building for a time. She was in my wedding and we would meet for dinner occasionally. Her name brings back a rush of wonderful memories. I will always hold her in my heart. I am so glad she had someone to care for and be with her while she battled Alzheimer’s disease. You have my deepest sympathy on the loss of a dear person.
Jim Pearson says
Everyone who worked with “PJ” at Mountain Bell liked her a lot. She was always friendly, kind and fun to be around. She was sooooo proud of her earthen home and cars. I’ll miss seeing her smiling face at each election when she came to vote where I was one of the voting judges. She always came over to say “hello” and visit for a minute. She was a lady in the finest sense. I’m proud to have known here.