Pamela Diane (Bishop) Frantz Hess

Pamela Diane (Frantz) Hess, 74 of Battle Creek, surrounded by her family, passed away peacefully at Northwoods Village in Kalamazoo, on Tuesday, January 25, 2022.

Pamela was born January 29, 1947 in Battle Creek, Michigan. She was raised by her mother and father, Helen and Bill Plane in Battle Creek and was a member of the Battle Creek Central High School Class of 1965. Pam also attended Kellogg Community College. She was employed at Leila Y. Post Montgomery Hospital, Battle Creek Health System and several area doctor offices as a medical secretary and unit secretary at the admitting desk in the emergency room.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles H. Hess in 2019. Pamela was formerly married to Richard G. Frantz, together they had three daughters. Surviving are children; Heather (Randy) Morrison of Kalamazoo, Melissa (Marq) Brown of Churubusco, Indiana, Kristin (Matt) Bouche of Mattawan; a stepdaughter, Heidi (Eric) Saylor of Richmond, VA; nine grandchildren, four great-grandchildren; siblings, Monica Barnes, James (Roxanne) Plane, Stephanie Plane and Don (Cindy) Plane, all of Battle Creek and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and their families. In addition to her husband, Pam was also preceded in death by her parents, Helen and Bill Plane; her great-granddaughter, Nattaly Marie Brown and her sister, Melanie Greenwood.

Pam was a woman of many interests! She was a talented dancer and practiced ballet, tap and Tahitian dance from a young age and would dream of dancing with the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall. She continued her passion by dancing in the Leila Follies Chorus Line and production numbers for many years. Pam loved music of all genres and enjoyed attending musical performances of every kind and sang with Sweet Adelines when she was younger. There was a time when she was enthusiastic about astrology and doing astrology charts for people. She and her husband, Charlie, enjoyed golfing, snow skiing and traveling together when they could.

One of her favorite memories with Charlie is their trip to Heavenly Ski Resort in Lake Tahoe and a family trip to Myrtle Beach (where many laughs and fun memories were made).

Pam never knew a stranger and was the life of the party. She loved spending time with her family and always looked forward to family celebrations. She loved animals and was known for taking in a stray cat… (or three). Especially beloved were her dogs; Minnie, Winston and Bentley. She enjoyed being in nature, particularly near water.

Pam was a self-described "spiritual person" and throughout her life yearned to deepen her connection to God. She enjoyed watching Robert Schuller and a highlight for her was traveling to California to visit the Crystal Cathedral. We take comfort knowing of her belief in Jesus and his promises for eternal life.

She will be remembered as "a character." So many friends and acquaintances have used this expression when sharing stories about her. She made people laugh. She always kept you guessing. She felt deeply. She forgave easily. She loved to be hugged and she loved to be needed.

Friends will be received 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Saturday at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, where a service to celebrate Pamela's life and birthday will be officiated by Rev. Dr. James M. Gysel 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 29, 2022. The service will be live-streamed and may be viewed by visiting: https://vimeo.com/671510435 and https://vimeo.com/670823682.

Memorial contributions may be made to Comfort Keepers in Kalamazoo with specific request for Respite Care: for families needing support / companions when their loved ones struggle with Sun downers, https://www.comfortkeepers.com/offices/michigan/portage?utm_source=GMB&utm_medium=organic.

Arrangements are by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Personal messages for the family may be placed in the Memory Book at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.