Pamela Ann Kania (Me’heonoo’ohta’e) (Medicine Corn Woman) was born on September 29, 1947 to David Swenk Oesterle and Priscilla Ann (Staats) Oesterle in Schenectady, New York. The family later moved to Stoughton, Massachusetts, followed by a move to Hamilton, Ohio, where she was joined by 3 more siblings. In 1955 the family moved to San Diego, California where Pam spent the rest of her childhood. The family grew to include 11 children, of which Pam was the eldest.
She entered the convent of Daughters of Divine Charity at the age of 17 in San Diego, California, receiving her religious formation in New Jersey and New York. After making her religious vows, she returned to Southern California where she taught elementary school until 1975. Pam was invited to do missionary work on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation in Lame Deer, Montana where she worked for two years and then moved to Ashland, Montana where she began work at St. Labre Mission and Indian School.
It was at St. Labre, and after she was released from her religious vows, that she met and married the love of her life, Kenneth Anthony Kania in 1977. The couple decided to add to their family and adopted two children Gena and Gary Middle Rider Jr. from the BlackFeet Reservation in 1981, whom she loved dearly. Among her many jobs, she worked as a preschool and kindergarten teacher, directed a day care facility and provided foster care. She received her Master’s degree in Business Administration and worked as a Parish Administrator for over 25 years at St. Labre Mission. After her husband’s death in 2016, she retired and eventually moved to Madera, California to live with family. In 2021 she moved to Nazareth House where she was well cared for and loved and it was there that she passed away peacefully on January 21, 2025.
Pam was a kind, caring and cheerful person and was loved by all. She was devoted to her faith, her family, and especially liked helping others. She had many hobbies which included sewing, quilting, gardening and beading. Pam and Ken loved their family, local and faith community, and particularly loved the Native American culture and were in time adopted into the Northern Cheyenne Tribe. Pam nurtured a special devotion to St. Kateri Tekakwitha and attended yearly conferences to further the cause for her canonization.
Pam had such a loving devotion to all her grandkids, she loved taking the time to teach them how to sew, garden, read, and cook. She enjoyed taking daily walks outside in the field and soaking up the sun with a nice cold glass of homemade ice tea. Both Pam and Ken played a huge role in their grandkids lives and always were the first to show up to any volleyball, wrestling, basketball game, music/band concert, parent teacher conference, school events, etc. You name it they were there. She was a devoted Catholic and made it a priority to teach her grandkids the Catholic ways at home. From reading stories out of the bible before bed, to praying the rosary, and even making sure no matter what that everyone attended mass every Sunday.
Pam left a huge impact on anyone and everyone who knew her, she will be missed beyond measure. It is with great comfort to know that she is back in the arms of her husband, grandson, and all of her beloved family and friends who have passed on.
Following her funeral in Madera, California she will be taken to Ashland to be buried next to her husband Ken and grandson in Ashland.
Pam is predeceased by her parents, her brother Davy, her sister Jo Judith, and grandson Josiah Middle Rider. She is survived by her children, Gena and Gary Middle Rider Jr., grandchildren Emonda, Kaya, Christian Chasen, Naato Aakii, Gabrielle, Catlin as well as her great grandchildren, Isaiah, Kehlani, Sonora, and Calian. She is also survived by her siblings Stephen Oesterle, Michele Spencer, Mary Elise Schlichtenmeier, Ellen Aeling, Christin Espinola, Carla Oesterle, Paul Oesterle, and Maureen Oesterle and their families.
Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon her, may she rest in peace.
Service Schedule
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 am
Saturday February 1, 2025
St. Labre Catholic Church
Ashland, MT
Interment
Following Services
Saturday February 1, 2025
Willow Crossing Cemetery
On Otter Creek Road
Ashland , MT
Luncheon
Following Graveside services
Saturday February 1, 2025
St. Labre Cafeteria
Ashland , MT
Service Schedule
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 am
Saturday February 1, 2025
St. Labre Catholic Church
Ashland, MT
Interment
Following Services
Saturday February 1, 2025
Willow Crossing Cemetery
On Otter Creek Road
Ashland , MT
Luncheon
Following Graveside services
Saturday February 1, 2025
St. Labre Cafeteria
Ashland , MT
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Lyle Harris says
My God Mother
Susan Schulte Erlenbusch says
My first teaching job was at St. Labre, so Pam and Ken were a big part of my life for those two years. Pam was a true sweetheart who treated me as one of her own. My condolences to her family.
Deb McClaren says
Gary and Family, I’m sorry to hear of Pams passing. May she rest in peace.
Patricia Houseman says
Gary and family, sorry for your loss of Pam. She was a great lady. Pam and I used to walk around in circles
in the church for our exercise when the weather was bad, and outside when the weather was good. I miss
our good times we had. You are all in my prayers
Molly Fjell says
I listened to Pam sing in church every time I went out to visit my grandparents Gladys and Raymond Schonenbach. She was so kind and genuinely loved everyone. She will be missed. Hugs and prayers for her family at this time.
Nellie Speelman says
Pam was a good friend and got me involved with the kateri circle. We made some trips to the difference conference had an enjoyable experience my prayers for the family.
Donna Wick Brien says
Pam and Ken were the best I am truly happy that they are now reunited! Condolences and prayers to the family.
Jay & Carla Johnson says
Deepest condolences to all family and friends of Pam. May she rest in peace and forever be in memories of those that loved her. She is now reunited with her loved ones in heaven.
Russ Alexander says
Pam and Ken were such an important part of St. Labre for many years. They lived by example.
Karen Gaskill says
I loved working with Ken and Pam. As time has passed, I have come to realize and appreciate the privilege it was to have known them and the blessing it was to have worked with them. They were so special. May God bless their souls.
Roberta Bement says
Rest in Paradise Pam, eternally reunited with Ken and Josiah. Thank you for teaching me the ropes of music with Sr. Carla and working with me to prepare the programs for church services. I truly learned a lot from you. My condolences to Gary and Gena and their families…you will be missed. Thank you for being a great friend to my Grandma Eldora.
Cindy Stanton (Williams) says
I’m sorry for the loss of Pam. She was kind and very peaceful. She will be missed terribly.
Shirley A Skinner says
We were saddened to hear of Pam’s passing. She was one of the kindest most gentle women I ever knew. Rest in Peace Pamela!
Tom and Shirley Skinner
Chris Valentine says
Pam was a great person. She did so many things to help others when i knew her at St. Labre. I am sad to hear of her passing.
reida quiroz says
so sorry for your loss. Pslam 34:18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.