Pamela A. (Way) King, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, died at the Waterville Residential Care Center on August 28, 2025 at the age of 81, just shy of her 82nd birthday.

Pam was born at her family's home in Oriskany Falls September 1, 1943, daughter of William and LoVisa Ford Way. A lifelong native of Oriskany Falls, she graduated from Oriskany Falls High School in 1961. After graduation, she went to work for Dr. Armand Hoch before moving on to King's Bakery, where she met Bob King who, years later, would become her beloved husband of 53 years.

During the late 1960s, Pam worked at the Oriskany Falls High School, where she had a gift for making students of all ages feel important and truly noticed. That same warmth carried into her employment at Colgate University, where she and Bob also discovered a shared love of hockey - a passion that led them to become devoted season ticket holders.

Pam was an avid bowler throughout her life. She served as a bowling coach, secretary of the association, and enjoyed many years bowling in both the women's league and the couples league alongside her husband. Sports were always an important part of their lives, as Pam and Bob could often be found attending countless sporting events to cheer on and support their family. Beyond being her family's biggest fan, Pam also had a lifelong love for the Chicago Cubs and joyfully celebrated their long-awaited World Series victory in 2016.

Feeding the birds was one of Pam's favorite pastimes. Even after moving to the Waterville Residential Care Center, she kept a birdfeeder outside her window and loved sharing stories about the birds with anyone who stopped by to visit. She also enjoyed the music at the Home and deeply appreciated the caring staff at WRCC, who always made sure she was included in the many activities—whether she chose to join in or simply enjoy from the comfort of her room.

Pam was a member of the Oriskany Falls Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary and the Oriskany Falls United Methodist Church. She also enjoyed working with young people, sharing her spirit and encouragement as a cheerleading coach at Oriskany Falls High School.

Pam cherished family traditions, especially celebrating the holidays. For many years, she and Bob welcomed loved ones into their home for Easter, Memorial Day, and Labor Day gatherings. A few years ago, her family had the joy of helping Pam and Bob celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. Though small in stature, especially beside Bob, Pam more than held her own, with a presence and spirit that far exceeded her size.

Her legacy lives on through her loving family. She is survived by her daughters, Kelli (Jeff) Excell of Cicero and Kristi (Corey) Kosmoski of Waterville; granddaughter, Allison Wright (Greg Ingalls); grandson, Nick Kosmoski; great-granddaughter, Aria Ingalls; along with another great-grandchild due in September.  She is also survived by her sister, Cathy Way of Utica; brother-in-law, Stewart Olmstead of Deansboro; and many beloved nephews, Jeff (Audrey) Olmstead, Jim Olmstead, Paul (Pamela) Way, Steve Slate, Wally (Nina) Slate, Rick (Rhonda) Slate, and great-nephews and nieces. She also leaves a life-long friend, Patricia (Terry) Murphy.

She was predeceased by her husband, Robert B. King; her sister, Sue Olmstead; and her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Alfred and Arliene Chapman.

Interment will be held at the Hillside Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Arrangements were made by the Mark C. Bentz Funeral Services Inc. To express sympathy, please visit www.bentzfuneralhomes.com

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Oriskany Falls Volunteer Fire Department as we are very fortunate to have their service in our community.