Pamela Jo Shea Merrill, 74, of Salina, passed away, Saturday, July 25, 2026.  She was born to Mary Katherine Nash and Joseph Milton Shea on June 3, 1952, in Kansas City, Missouri. She was raised by her mother and step-father, George Legan. Pamela attended school in Ulysses, Kansas, where she met and married Leland T. Oliver. Together, they had three children, Dionne Hiebert, Chance Oliver, and Cable Oliver. Later in her life, she married Jack Merrill and gave birth to a daughter, Jacqueline Herwig. Pam was a free spirit who found joy in simple conversation over root beer and popcorn. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, western movies, staying connected to her family on Facebook (in spite of being technically challenged), was a self-proclaimed hippie, and a big Ozzy fan. Pam did things her way and was not afraid to share her thoughts. She was a stubborn soul but that made her words and friendship that more genuine. Her greatest desire was for her grandkids and their happiness.

Pamela departed this earth on July 25, 2026, after sharing I love yous with those who had been near her bedside. She is survived by her children, along with her sister, Deborah Rubin, her brother, Charles “Pete” Legan, and grandchildren: Samantha, Sydney, Nathan, Angel, Micah, Max, Gabriella, Sam, Owen, Eli, Brooklynne, Jaden and Destannee, and great granddaughter, Ellie.

She is preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Diana Davis. During her last year, she was cared for by the kind and loving staff at Pinnacle Park Nursing and Rehabilitation along with Gentiva Hospice.

Cremation was chosen and no services are planned at this time.