Pamela Kay “Pam” Franks was born in Bradner, Ohio on Friday, July 13, 1951-Friday the 13th, which she always believed brought her good luck. She carried that belief with her throughout her life. She passed away peacefully on April 16, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family, after a short but courageous battle with cancer.
Pam is survived by her daughter, Michelle (Rhett) Drain of Bowling Green, Ohio, and her son, Randall Van Dyke (Elizabeth) of San diego, California. She was a proud grandmother to Andrew Ameling (Cassie) of Sylvania, Ohio; Riley Otto (Mark) of Marysville, Ohio; Cameryn Drain (RJ Hencel) of Fairborn, Ohio; and Preslee Drain of Bowling Green, Ohio, and a great-grandmother (GG) to Hudson, Violet, and Beckett.
She is also survived by her brother, Jerry Widmer (Joanne) of Burgoon, Ohio, along with many step-grandchildren, nieces and nephews; her special friend, Sharen Martin of South Carolina; her sister-in-law, Jacque Overly of Maumee; her stepchildren, Kristina Newman of Perrysburg and Russell Van Dyke of Walbridge. She was preceded in death by her mother, Reva Widmer; her father, Donald Widmer Sr.; her sister, Beverly Mannies; her brother, Donald Widmer Jr. ; her nephew, James “Jimmy” Widmer; and her former husbands, Michael Franks and Russell Van Dyke.
Pam graduated from Lakota High School in 1969. She worked in several factories during her lifetime and eventually retired from Modine Manufacturing.
Pam will be remembered for her unique sense of humor and her contagious laugh. She especially treasured time with her grandchildren, whether it was spirited games of Trivial Pursuit as they tried to outsmart Grandma Pam, or the lively, joy-filled chaos when they would eat her out of house and home and steal her bed during their special “grandma babysitting time.” Those moments brought her happiness and will be cherished memories for her family.
In a moment that feels both tender and meaningful, Pam passed on her nephew Doug Devore’s birthday, a reminder of life’s full circle and a day that will now carry both remembrance and a special connection, honoring her memory in a uniquely heartfelt way.
The family extends their sincere gratitude to the staff at Kingston Residence of Perrysburg, Kingston Rehabilitation of Perrysburg, and Hospice of Northwest Ohio for the compassionate care and support they provided.
A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Deck-Hanneman, Bowling Green. www.hannemanfuneralhomes.com.
