With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Pamela Janine (Mattis) Gardner on August 23, 2025, at the age of 60. A visitation for Pam was held Sunday, September 14, 2025, at Iles Westover Chapel (6337 Hickman Road, Des Moines, Iowa) followed by a memorial service at 6 p.m.
Pam is proceeded in death by her husband, Terance (Terry), and her parents Norman and Kaye Mattis. She is survived by her son, Matthew (fiancé Olivia), as well as her sister, Kris (husband Jeff and children CJ, McKynzi, and Shad) and brother Thomas (wife Sherri and son Chaz).
A native of Walnut Grove, Pam graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1986 and began her career in education as an elementary school teacher. She was a dedicated teacher for nearly two decades, teaching students from preschool to 6th grade in numerous states. Her life became truly fulfilled once she married the love of her life, Terry Gardner, on August 1, 1992. Together they went on to have their only son, Matthew, in 1997.
She moved around the Midwest throughout her adult years, settling down with Terry and Matt in West Des Moines, IA, in 2008. Pam was passionately committed to being a full-time wife and mother for nearly a decade, serving as an active member of the WDM Lacrosse Club to support Matt throughout his youth.
She lived a full life filled with various hobbies, from being an art enthusiast, passionate reader, volunteer with the Lutheran Church of Hope and with the DSM Public School system, and a sister with the Philanthropic Education Organization (PEO) helping fundraise for women’s education opportunities.
Pam will be remembered for her loving, generous spirit and compassionate heart. She was an avid lover of animals, having adopted over a dozen dogs and cats over her lifetime. Pam had a soft spot for boxers and is survived by her dogs Piper and Jax.
Pam’s beautiful, loving soul will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to have had her in their lives but her memory will live on through her loved ones forever.
In honor of Pam and her generous dedication to helping others, loved ones are encouraged to provide donations that will be distributed between two causes close to Pam’s heart: to support children’s education and to a local animal rescue organization. Donations will be collected at her visitation and will be given directly to the charities by her family following the service (specifics to be determined at a later date).
Pam will be missed dearly by her friends and family, but we find comfort knowing she is in eternal peace and her legacy will carry on through her many loved ones.
Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares. com Arrangements by Iles Westover Funeral Home
