Obituary of Pamela Kay Duke Ash

Pamela K Duke Ash passed away at her Tacoma home on the evening of July 12, 2022, with both of her daughters at her side.  Although she lost her short, fierce battle with pancreatic cancer, she showed great strength and grace.

Pamela was born on June 11, 1949 in Yakima, Washington. She spent her youth in the Seattle area, where she attended Bryn Mawr Elementary, Dimmit Junior High, and Renton High School. Pam was especially proud of her father who was a fire chief.

Pam lived her adult life in Tacoma where she enjoyed painting, decorating, going for walks around her small community, and spending time with family and friends. An avid animal lover, Pam was always willing to take in or help out a pet in need.  She was even known to feed wild animals if they would let her.

Pam’s greatest joy in life was her family.  She raised her two daughters, Jodi and Mandie, and stepson, Frankie, in the most loving and encouraging environment, even when things were tough. Pam loved road trips with her daughters or just sitting in front of the television eating chocolate chip cookies. She was so proud of their accomplishments in adulthood and loved the fact that they were successful adults with great careers and loving families of their own. 

After Pam’s daughters were grown and on their own, she dated and married a wonderful man named Joe Ash. They made a beautiful home and life in Tacoma. She was devastated to have lost him to pancreatic cancer only 10 years into their marriage.  Pam found her way back to happiness through family and also through her dear friends at Tacoma Radiology and Carol Milgard Breast Center where she worked for 23 years. Pam had just retired in November, so that she could have more free time to spend with her family.

Pamela is survived by daughters, Jodi (Brent) Bigler, Mandie (James) McAfee. Grandchildren Alyx (Nick) Sandy, Grace Bigler, Josh Bigler, Dylan McAfee, and Kingston McAfee. Great grandchildren Avery Absten and Brixton Sandy. Brother Kenneth (Karol) Duke.  Last, but not least, her sweet cat Chappie.

She is preceded in death by her husband Joe Ash, parents Rolland Duke and Bessie VanBevers, brother Stephen Duke, nephew Steven Duke and many pets who were near and dear to her heart.

Pamela’s Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, August 5th at 1:30 at Life Center Central Church: 1717 S Union Ave, Tacoma, WA 98405.

Flowers can be sent to the church and any other donations can be made in Pam’s name to the Tacoma Humane Society.