Our beautiful wife, angel mother, sister, grandma and favorite “Pamcakes” passed away, unexpectedly and peacefully, in the early morning hours of July 4th, 2020, returning to the waiting arms of her dear parents and loved ones.
Pam Sonntag Hodson was born January 21, 1945 to Philip and Voloy Sonntag in Preston, Idaho. She was the oldest of three children and remained close to her sister, Peggy and brother, Mark throughout her life.
Pam lived an idyllic childhood with her family and friends. She never lacked for love and support, and because of wonderful examples in her life, she grew into a compassionate, smart, creative, funny and loving young lady. Pam graduated from Highland High School and was always proud to be a Ram. She continued on to the University of Utah, and in the foyer of Orson Spencer Hall, met her eternal companion and the love of her life, Dean Hodson. They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on June 9th, 1966. They just celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary. Together they created an eternal family, which became the center of their entire world.
One of Pam’s greatest gifts was the ability to make everyone feel loved and important. Every family member and friend thought they were Pam’s favorite! Pam could light up any room with her infectious laugh, her warm embrace and her boundless joy. She was oftentimes the shoulder for many to cry upon and someone they could release their burdens to. While she was never one to get caught up in the ways of the world, she was always caught up in service. Thus the nickname given to her and her sister Peggy, “The Service Sisters”. She was always showing kindness, giving advice and supporting those she loved without judgment or harsh criticism. Pam was a light for so many and exemplified the attributes of the Savior, whom she loved with all her heart.
Pam’s love for others spilled out of her home. She spent countless hours volunteering time at Primary Children’s Hospital, her children’s schools, and PTA president at Bryant Junior High School. But those hours knew no end when it came to her devotion and love for the gospel of Jesus Christ, its members, and future members. She was always a missionary!
Pam absolutely loved and adored the various callings she held in the Church over the years, and from these callings, many lifelong friendships were formed. Pam served as Primary President, Young Women’s President, Relief Society Counselor, Mission Mother in Melbourne Australia, and Mission Mother in the Salt Lake Inner City Mission.
It is with deep sadness in our hearts, that we say goodbye to our sweet Pam. We will miss the dinners and the lunches, the calls and texts, the visits, car rides and hair appointments. We will miss the perfect carpet lines, the Skip Bo games, the movies, shopping trips, funny songs, poems, stories, endless treats, and delicious food that only a mom like Pam can make. We will miss you at birthdays, baptisms, weddings, games and other special events. We will miss you reading “The Night Before Christmas” and all the holidays, which you made so special for each of us. You have left us too soon, but your spirit remains in all those who’ve been blessed to know you and feel your love. May your smile fill the Heavens with joy. We can’t wait to see you again.
Preceded in death by her parents Philip T and Voloy Sonntag. Pam is survived by her loving husband Dean Hodson, her devoted children; Michael (Sharon) Hodson, Matt (Rachael) Hodson, Mark (Jodi) Hodson, Melissa (Eric) Butikofer, Michelle (Blake) Poulton, Marci Bradley, Marianne (Ben) Feinauer, Megan (Greg) Davis, 23 grandchildren, brother Mark Sonntag (Frankie) and sister Peggy Plumb (Walter).
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the Church of Jesus Christ Missionary Fund. Online condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.larkincares.com
A graveside service will be held Friday, July 10th at 10:00 am at Larkin Sunset Lawn. 2350 East 1300 South. The courtesy of wearing a mask and physical distancing is requested. We suggest bringing your own chair, blanket and umbrella for shade.
Live streaming on Facebook under Pam Hodson at 10:00 MST
We are forever changed by knowing Pam. We love her deeply. All our love to Dean.
Bob and Amy
Oh these words about Pam are 100% true and more! She was a beloved primary teacher to me. She always welcomed me and our friends in her home when we played with Megan. She truly had a light about her and the best smile and laugh. Love And hugs to you Hodson family! She is truly the best of the best.
It is a hard thing to lose a loved one in mortality. But understanding Heavenly Fathers plan brings so much comfort. I just lost my Mother and I empathize with the Hodson family at this time. Please accept my deepest condolences to the Hodson family and loved ones. Her body may lay, but her spirit will continue to live on. Much love. Rest in love Sister Hodson❤
Megan (and Greg), we are so sorry for your loss. Your mother is amazing and we send our love and prayers to your family. Love to you, Brad and Jana
Thanks for your loving smile and kind words. Thanks for being my Mission Mom and giving me a hug when you knew I needed that. My thoughts and prayers go out to you President Hodson and to Megan and Marianne. Thanks for sharing your Mom and Wife. Til we meet again in that eternal realm at the feet of our Savior.
Pat and I send our love. We have great memories of the time we served together.
I am heartbroken by the sudden passing of Pam. She always made me feel so loved and welcome anytime in her presence. I feel lucky to have known such an amazing lady who exemplified the love of Christ in all she did. She will be missed. Sending love and prayers to the Hodson family.
Dean and family,
Our deepest condolences at the passing of Pam. I will never forget going to our training for our Inner City Mission and looking across the table when Pam sat down and she looked so familiar. I asked her if she her maiden name was Sonntag and realized that I was sitting across from my former Sorority advisor at LDS Business College. How much fun we had then and being able to serve under both of you on our mission. She has such a special place in my heart. May the Lord bless be with you. We love you.
Love you Pam! We have so many great memories of you and Dean. Taken from your friends and family too soon. Heaven is now a brighter place with you in it.
Our Dear Sweet Pam, all my life I have looked up to my cousin Pam. She always made my day much better when I was with her. Even being seven years younger. She always made me feel loved and welcomed to be a part of her life. We will miss her great example of Christ like love, that mot only came from the heart, but from her every action! I'll miss your great example, cousin. Love Brad & Cathy Hoggan
What the heart loves the most, it grieves for more deeply when it is gone. What brings us the most joy, brings us the greatest sorrow when it passes from our life and what filled our life the most leaves the greater emptiness when it departs. Praying that hope will fill your emptiness, turn your sorrow to comfort and your grief to peace.
I had a great respect for her and I loved her. She will be very missed by all.
I’m Colleen Bauman’s sister. Your mom’s name is an icon in our family. Her name was often mentioned with fondness, and our family has all been treated well at Phillips & Company on many occasions. I feel like Pam and I were friends although I rarely saw her anywhere but at the salon. Whenever I went in for my appointment she was there looking beautiful as always. She always made an effort to talk to me and made me feel special. I will surely miss her but will be reminded of her goodness through her talented daughters. This obit is beautiful. There is no doubt she is already busy on the other side sharing the gospel and helping many settle in for eternity. May her love and memories feel your tender souls at this time. I’m so grateful that she was a little part of my life!
I am so sorry to hear of your great loss
Pam was one of the truly great people
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you
Dear Dean, Kids, Mark & Peggy
I am sorry and saddened to hear of Pam's passing. I have nothing but good, fun and loving memories of Pam. She always made me feel loved, in her cheery way. We pray for all of you that you may feel of her sweet spirit and feel comforted and find peace at this time and in the days ahead.
Going our own ways as we grow from kids to adults seems to put distance between being together, but the love I feel for Pam is still the same.
May Heavenly Father be with you. PS We will definitely Give to the Missionary Fund.
Love, Marsha & Dennis
I was so very sad to hear the news of Pam's passing. I have so many special memories of shared celebrations and holidays with Pam and Dean at Matt and Rachael's house. Pam was always so gracious and welcoming and ever ready for a good game of Skip-Bo. My thoughts and love are with the entire Hodson family.
Lani
Pam was a wonderful friend at Highland High and the University of Utah. I lost touch after when I moved to New York but I'd know that smile anywhere. She was indeed a gift to the world.
I express my love of, and admiration for, your beautiful wife and mother. She was so kind and gentle, and always greeted me with her dazzling smile. Her Relief Society lessons were the best ever. May Heavenly Father bring peace to your hearts.....
LouAnn, her friend and ward member.
Sister Hodson was always such a welcome presence on the mission. Dean and family I hope you can all feel her love and the love of the savior at this time of loss. All our love from Wyoming!
Dean, We were so sorry to hear about Pam's passing. She is a great lady. Every time we drive down Creek Road and pass your house we think of the two of you and the great times we had in the Inner City.
We will miss her even though it's been a few years since we've seen you.
Love,
Ivan & Sherri
Dear Dean, I am so sorry to read about your wife. It seems to me that you met in my geography class in OSH 175. I remember you, Dean, and of course about where you two sat together. The year I do not remember. I am 92 now and staying put at home. Best wishes to you, Dr. King (just call me Jim)
This is such sad, sad and shocking news. Steve and I just saw Pam's beautiful obituary in the Tribune. Never before have we read an obituary where every single description of the person was so true and so fitting. Everything about Pam is wonderful and your well-written tribute described her perfectly. Words can't convey the deep sadness we feel and the heartfelt condolences we extend. As I write this I keep glancing at Pam's smiling face and remember so many of the funny things she said and how she ALWAYS greeted us with that warm and friendly smile. She was always cheerful and always saw the positive. She was a hostess extraordinaire. She knew how to entertain and she knew how to cook - like no other. Pam really is a friend to everyone - no matter age or station in life. I remember when Dean was the Bishop in Monument Park First Ward. Pam lead the Bishopric wives as a team to see to the needs of the members of the ward. No one was forgotten or left out. Pam sat with all her children on the row while Dean sat on the stand. Pam kept the children well behaved, but never seemed to get mad or flustered or out of patience. She was always a good example to me of a mother who cared deeply about her children and knew how to make each individual child feel loved. I have thought about Pam and Dean many times over the past several years and it is always with love, respect and admiration that I recall the many fun times in their home, at Snelgroves Ice Cream, and other activities. The loss of Pam is a great loss to the community. No one gave more of their time and talents than Pam. Her energy and spirit were always directed at helping anyone she felt prompted to assist. Her lessons and "talks" whether at Jeri's funeral or Pam and Dean's mission farewell were brilliantly composed and expertly delivered. Pam is smart and a ton of fun. She loves people and she loves Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. It was evident in testimonies she shared but most of all in the way she lived her life. There are so many wonderful things to say about Pam and that is why the obituary was so good. The article said it all and it is all true. She was an amazing woman and it is mine and Steve's blessing to have been an associate of hers. We are so sorry for your great loss and we are praying that you will feel the peace and love of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Thank you Pam for all you taught me, shared with me, and your friendship. We will never forget you. Love, Steve and Sue Ann Alder
Melissa and Eric,
So sorry to hear about Pam. Missy I love you and Eric and hope things go well tomorrow for the funeral. Missy if you can and will please call me. Kenna
We are very sorry to hear of your loss. We appreciated being your neighbors at the top of Little Valley Rd. We enjoyed Pam’s good cheer. Our love to Dean and children.
Dear Dean and family,.
How sad we are to hear of Pam's passing. This beautiful spirit with the winning smile and an adorable laugh.
So much to love about Pam. Her ability to show acceptance and love to all. Her loving spirit was infectious.
Our hearts go out to her wonderful family this day and always.