It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Pamela Kay Petersen Wilson, who left us on September 14, 2024, at the age of 80. Born on February 24, 1944 in Graham Washington, Pamela was the beloved daughter of Virginia and Bert Petersen. As a young child, her family moved to California.
Pam graduated from Cloverdale High School and continued with a career at State Farm where she met many friends. Before leaving to become a homemaker. In Feb of 1967, Pam married the love of her life, Kenneth Wilson. In 1969, she had her first son Brandon, and then in 1978, her second son Travis. Ken and Pam enjoyed traveling in their motor home and loved Oregon.
Pam was known for her positive traits, kindness, and generosity and will be remembered for always putting others first. She touched the lives of everyone she met and left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who knew her.
Pamela is survived by her 2 sons, Brandon Wilson, Travis (Jennifer) Wilson, granddaughters Baileigh and Brooklyn Wilson. She is also survived by her 5 brothers Darrell (Bobbi), Talbert (Judy), Rex (Maryann), Dwight (Judy), Kyle (Lenor), her sister Gini, and many nieces and nephews. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
A memorial service will be held on Nov 9, 2024 at 2pm at Cloverdale Kindgom Hall. A reception will follow at the Veterans Hall. The Wilson family appreciates the love, support, and generosity from the Courtney Davis Foundation. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Courtney Davis Foundation in Pamela’s memory.
When R. B. had leave, he went home to Cloverdale and continued his relationship with Marlys. They were married in 1952 while R. B. was still in the Air Force. After his discharge, they returned to Cloverdale where he went into the service station business. He operated a Chevron station, then a Shell station, then independently as Southard’s Service Center selling Mobil products. During this time R. B. and Marlys raised four children and bought ranch property in the Mendocino County redwoods to which they later moved.
In 1978 R. B. moved his business to a larger location at the south end of Cloverdale where he focused on tire sales and auto repair until he retired in 1996. He spent his retirement doing the things he loved: working with Marlys on their property, planting and harvesting a large garden, going to weekly dances, spending time with family at the ranch camp, and working on his classic cars. He belonged to a number of car clubs and for years he and Marlys toured the United States with other classic car enthusiasts. A highlight for him was following Route 66 all the way from Chicago to Santa Monica.
R. B. is survived by the love of his life, Marlys, his daughter Janice, son Paul, daughters-in-law Juli and Melanee, grandchildren Jake (Taylor), Ryan (Brittni), Brandon (Lily), Brett (Nikki), and Angela, eight great-grandchildren, and one brother and two sisters. He was predeceased by his daughter Diane and son David.
R. B. was a dedicated member of the American Legion William Russell Ledford Post 293 and ardent supporter of veterans. An open house remembrance of his life will be held at the Cloverdale Veteran’s building on Saturday, October 19, 2024 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., with military honors at 2 p.m.
The family suggests donations to Wounded Warriors or any organization serving veterans.