Pamela (Litsis) Keaton, 76, passed away Friday, October 2, 2026, while surrounded by her loved ones. She was born March 27, 1950 to George and Helen Litsis in Kansas City, KS. Pamela graduated from Washington High School in 1968. She moved on to be a Jayhawk at the University of Kansas, where she earned a degree in Education. She married the love of her life, Jim Keaton, on June 11, 1972. He was her everything for 51 years until his passing in 2023. Her family is comforted knowing they are together again. Pamela started her career teaching 1st grade at Silver Lake Elementary School in Silver Lake, KS. She stopped teaching to be a Momma to their two daughters Allyson and Alenna, later taking on jobs teaching 7th & 8th grade at Holy Spirit Catholic School, working in retail, and then working at American Century. Pamela’s favorite job however, was being a mother, and later a grandmother, as was evident by her unwavering devotion to “all her kids”.
Pamela was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, aunt, sister, and friend. She was the most fun-loving person, always up for dancing and having a good time. She spread joy and laughter wherever she went. She loved God, shopping, jewelry, make-up, her “very pretty” shoes, and late night phone calls. Most of all, Pamela loved being with her family. Gatherings were never long enough and she didn’t like to say goodbye. She didn’t need much, as long as the family was together. Pamela held true to her values and was firm in passing traditions on to her family including her 4th of July cheesecake and Christmas baklava.
Pamela was the family’s greatest cheerleader. Always supportive of everyone’s activities and interests. She attended every tae kwon do, Destination Imagination, basketball, swimming, school play/concert, orchestra, and volleyball event she could. She was always a teacher, ensuring everyone’s manners and grammar were in check. There were very few things Pamela wouldn’t do for her grandbabies. She let them eat ice cream for breakfast and read books with them. She was quick to take her girls for a manicure, go shopping or bake together. She promised to dye her hair pink if her grandson made it to state in swimming (he made it and she dyed it). To her grandchildren, she was the “GOAT”.
Perhaps the greatest lesson Pamela taught her family was how to be a loving, nurturing caregiver. She was a “role model” of the highest caliber as she raised her daughters, loved her grandchildren and later cared for her husband and aging parents. Pamela loved people. She loved to help, and did so with few complaints. She always went above and beyond and would often ask, “What would Jesus do?” if anyone ever suggested she was being excessive.
Heaven is definitely brighter now, but a very big empty space was left here. Pamela was an invaluable piece of every part of our lives and will be dearly missed.
We love you more.
Pamela was preceded in death by her husband and parents. She is survived by her daughters Allyson (Allen) Evans, Alenna (Kevin) Grund; grandchildren Alex, Andrew and Ava Evans, George and Lily Grund, her sisters Polly and Penny-Anne, and several nieces and nephews.
Mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, Oct 9th at 11am at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 11300 103rd St, Overland Park, KS 66214. Visitation will begin prior at 10am. Burial to follow at Mt. Moriah Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, tribute gifts may be made to Evergreen Hospice JustLive!
Evergreen Living Innovations, Inc. – Evergreen Hospice JustLive!
Obituary published by Signature Funerals.
