It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Pamela (Pam) Mills Poulson Ravenberg, 72, of Salt Lake City, Utah, on January 27, 2025, after a long, brave battle with cancer. Pam was born on February 25, 1952, in Salt Lake City, to Bert Lee Mills and LaRue Marie Taylor Mills.

From a young age, Pam showed an exceptional aptitude for academics, excelling in her studies and displaying a particular interest in graphic design. She graduated from Skyline High School in 1970 and went on to pursue several degrees in various fields of Graphic Design, Biogeography, and Adult Learning. Pam’s passion for learning was evident throughout her life, and she continued to seek knowledge and self-improvement in all her endeavors.

Pam embarked on a distinguished career in education. She taught at Eisenhower Junior High School, the University of Utah, Salt Lake Community College, Utah Valley University and Granite Aduit Education. Her longest tenure was as the Director of Environmental Education at Red Butte. where she spent 15 years. Pam was a founding member of the Utah Native Plant Society and for years hosted a radio program on KUER about Utah wildflowers. She enjoyed identifying wildflowers for her friends and after her professional retirement she began teaching graphic design and printmaking and creating prints highlighting her beloved wildflowers and. She was also an avid, creative crocheter.

Pam enjoyed every minute with her loving life partner of 29 years, Gary Ravenberg. They married on April Fool’s Day in 2010 after dating for 15 years. She always said that she married him for his health insurance and described him as a redneck from South Dakota who treated her like a queen.

She is survived by her husband Gary, sister-in-law Lynne McKenna, niece Jennifer Mills Edminister Frank, and six great-nieces and nephews: Catherine Edminister and her children (Dominic and Avery), Kevin Frank, Natalie Frank, Erin Frank, Michael Frank, and Caroline Frank, and numerous loving members of her extended family. She is preceded in death by her parents, sister Kathryn Mills, and brother Bert Lee Mills Jr.

Pam had a wide range of interests outside of her career and family. She was an avid reader and a history and art enthusiast. She was a stand-up bass player for 30 years as a member of Zivio Ethnic Arts Ensemble. Pam and Gary enjoyed afternoon drives to the mountains and trips exploring the West. She had a love for the outdoors and enjoyed even the simplest displays of wildflowers, especially columbine. She was a dive and crocheter.

Pam owned a 100-plus year-old home in the Marmalade National Historic District on West Capitol Hill in Salt Lake City. She referred to her experience of stabilizing, repairing, upgrading, and remodeling her home as a huge money pit. She was also working on remodeling a home with Gary.

At Pam’s request, she will be cremated and there will be a celebration of life at a date to be determined this spring. If you would like further details or to share memories and condolences, please contact Gary Ravenberg at garyravenberg@gmail.com Donations can be made to the American Cancer Society of Utah in Pam’s name.