Dates
Pamela Charlene (Finlay) Sanford, of Robert Lee, passed away December 10, 2024 at the age of 69. She was born on May 19, 1955 in Coleman, TX to her parents Charles and Donna (Pyburn) Finlay. Pamela was married to her high school sweetheart and love of her life, Ricky Sanford on June 29, 1973.
Pam graduated from Eden High School where she played in the band and was a twirler. She played the piano and loved music. She met her husband at age 13 and fell in love. They married shortly after graduating and she went on to college at Angelo State University, where she earned her nursing degree. She volunteered for the Eden Fire Department with Ricky. She enjoyed crafting and sewing, and spending time with her three grandsons, family, and pets. Over the years she worked multiple nursing specialties from medical to prenatal to orthopedics. She worked with many doctors and nursing staff throughout the years. And there were many along her journey in life that credits her with being their mentor and friend. Her oldest daughter followed in her footsteps to be a registered nurse just like her. Besides being a mother, nursing was her life. She retired after over 45 years of nursing. She moved to Robert Lee with Ricky in 2020 where they helped take care of her other daughter’s ranch. She was the most loving, caring, compassionate, and understanding mother, mawmaw, wife, bonus mom, daughter, mentor and friend anyone could ask for. She was her girl’s best friend.
She is survived by her three daughters, Kristian Wanner (Randy), Amanda Cherry (Trey), and Courtney Tarango (Benny) all of Midland. She has three grandsons who were her pride and joy, Ryan Wanner, Robert Wanner, and Gunner Cherry. She is survived by many nieces and nephews and her beloved dogs Penny and Bruno.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Ricky Sanford, her parents Charles and Donna Finlay, and her brother Harvey Scott Finlay. She is rejoicing with her husband and brother in heaven and having margaritas with her two best friends, Bennie and Jackie.
Visitation will be Friday afternoon, December 13, 2024 from 5 to 7 pm at Harper Funeral Home and Crematory in San Angelo, TX. Services will be Saturday December 14, 2024 at 11 am at Harper Funeral Home, followed by graveside services at the Leaday Cemetary in Voss, TX (previously Leaday, TX) at 2 pm.
Pallbearers will be Randy Wanner, Trey Cherry, Benny Tarango, Ryan Wanner, Gunner Cherry, and Doug Finlay. Honorary pallbearers will be Robert Wanner, Todd Sanford, and Kirk Hamilton.
Services will be Christmas themed so we are asking everyone to wear their Christmas outfits, anywhere from Ugly Christmas sweaters to church attire (please no pajamas). She loved Christmas and that’s how we are going to show her we love her.
In lieu of flowers you may donate to American Heart Association or American Diabetes Association in honor of Pam.
Family and friends can share their online condolences at www.harper-funeralhome.com.