FIND AN OBITUARY
Service information is posted on our website only with approval from the family.
If you are seeking information not listed below, please contact us.

Pamela Ann Zinnecker
07/21/1958 — 05/17/2024
From Kennewick, WA | Born in Lewistown, MT
Celebration of Life
Pamela Ann Zinnecker
Pamela Zinnecker, a dedicated nurse educator and beloved family member, passed away peacefully on May 17, 2024, in Kennewick, Washington, at the age of 65. Born on July 21, 1958, in Lewistown, MT, Pamela was the cherished daughter of the late Duane N. Zinnecker and Barbara Zinnecker.
Pamela attended Hobson, MT High School, graduating as Salutatorian before attending Jamestown College in North Dakota. She graduated with a degree in Nursing in 1980 and began her career with Billings Clinic that same year. Her dedication to her work was evident as she progressed in her career from novice nurse to charge nurse and manager, RN to MSN and from nurse to a respected nurse educator. With a Master’s degree in Nursing and Health Science Education obtained in 2007 from the University of Phoenix, Pamela showcased natural leadership qualities and her colleagues benefitted greatly from her mentorship and guidance throughout her career. In 2005, Pamela received the AACN Circle of Excellence Award for Mentoring, and in 2023 she was awarded the Friends of Nursing Alice M. Gordon Lifetime Achievement Award from Billings Clinic Center for Education and Development.
Pam was a member of the American Association of Critical Care Nurses, the Association for Nursing Profession Development and the Society of Critical Care Medicine Ethics Committee. Pam developed Billings Clinic’s original Novice to Expert program for ICU nurses which has evolved into what is now the current Critical Care Division Novice to Expert Program which includes all nurses in the critical care areas of ICU, IMC, CVU and ED.
Pamela was a person of many interests, including knitting, baking and her collection of unicorns. She also held a fondness for her feline companions; Bogie, Leo, and Ziggy. Raised on her family’s farm in rural Montana, she engaged in 4-H and FHA activities as a young teen, and as an adult, she found solace and pleasure in her travels to numerous destinations, often seeking sun and sand.
Remembered for her quiet and humble demeanor, Pamela preferred to shine the light on others, lifting them up with her encouragement and support.
Pamela is preceded in death by her parents Duane and Barbara Zinnecker.
Pamela will be deeply missed by her surviving family members: Gayla (Bob) McCutchin, Wade (Connie) Zinnecker, niece Tara (Mike) Serra, great-niece Lucy Serra, nephew Colin (Liz) Zinnecker, her beloved cat Ziggy and a host of friends and colleagues. Her legacy of hard work, dedication, and kindness will forever be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
In Lieu of flowers please donate to Billings Clinic Foundation or Tri Cities Cancer Center Foundation in Pam’s Honor
I just read the JC alumni news, and saw the announcement of Pam’s passing. We were roommates at JC and she traveled to see me at several duty stations while I was a Navy Nurse. We even did a big Caribbean cruise to Barbados. I know we were FB friends but had not talked in too many years. I’m so sad to hear of her passing, and wanted to share my memories and love for a special friend. My sympathies to the family.
My sympathies and prayers are with all of Pam’s famiky and friends. Pam’s light and legacy will be with you always.
Dear Zinnecker Family,
We send our deepest sympathy for the loss of your dear sister, friend and Auntie. Her beautiful legacy of kindness, love, service and uplisting others with laughter and compassion, will love on through each one of you. I too, and inspired to add more kindness each time I can find a way to uplift someone.
May your special memories, and a host of angels, hold you close.
With love and prayers, Karen and Beau Leonard
PAM WAS THE SWEETEST OFF THEM ALL!
My niece Pam was a special person. We all knew it, so I won’t elaborate. The world will miss her. I will miss her. God Bless You, Pam.
Uncle Steve
I was so very blessed to have an incredible friendship with Pam that crossed both our personal and professional lives. My many travels with her always brought adventures. Like Marsha, I had the opportunity to wonder in places with Pam, that maybe we should not have been. I know Bob had a strong influence on her evaluating her trips later in life and maybe not taking as many risky adventures. Pam loved her family dearly. From our final weekend together, I heard from her how much she appreciate all that Gayla had done to help her through her medical issues and how much she appreciated Bob’s support for Gayla to be there for Pam. Collin and Tara were the bright spots in her life and she was so proud Tara became a nurse and had hoped to attend her graduation this month as she becomes a CRNA. Wade and Connie were always there to help as needed when they lived in Billings. Pam was a blessing in my life and my biggest cheerleader as I navigated new adventures. She will be greatly missed. RIP Pam.
I had the pleasure of working with Pam since 1984 and send my deepest condolences to her family and friends. She was a trusted colleague who did not shy away from challenging situations and left a remarkable legacy. Her laugh will always be remembered as will her kindness, intelligence and smile.
Gayla, Wade and Pam’s entire family: I have no words to ease your pain, but want you to know that Pam was loved by many! Marsha and I were looking forward to visiting Pam in her new retirement place: now we will have to visit when we meet her in heaven! Many hugs and love sent to you.
The world has lost an amazing nurse and educator
Finding a good friend is wonderful; finding a good travel buddy is priceless. I was lucky to find one in Pam. She was smart and funny. She also had a terrible sense of direction which led to many interesting adventures. I think about our travels often and often chuckle. Pam will be truly missed.
Phil Butcher
I am so saddened by this news. Pam was an amazing person and nurse. I learned a lot from her. I will miss her. My heartfelt sympathy to her family.
It was such a privilege and honor to work with Pam. She shared her knowledge with many throughout her years at Billings Clinic. How would I describe Pam? Incredibly smart, thoughtful, always had a smile on her face; a kind, gentle lady whose sense of humor always made me laugh. I feel so blessed to have had Pam in my life. I will miss her greatly.
I feel blessed to have learned and worked with Pam. There is an empty feeling in my heart that can never be filled. Prayers for family and friends.
Pam gave so much of herself to all of us here at Billings Clinic. I miss you Pam, especially your humor. Rest easy, my friend.
Pam is greatly missed and all who were able to learn from her and work along side her were blessed. Her memory will live on in all those she mentored and helped to develop into great nurses over the time she was here.
Pam was a great nurse and had a very long career in intensive nursing. She is sadly missed.
I remember Pam and I’m sorry that she didn’t get to retire, She was a worker.❤️
An awesome friend, colleague in teaching, but most of all a beautiful person. All our years together will always be special memories. You were always such a light in the world of nursing
You were—and will always be—an inspiration and a “light.” Loved by so many and a friend to all, we are so glad we got to know you. Your family meant the world to you; we uphold them in love and prayer.
Your commitment to nursing education is beyond incredible and remarkable. You left your mark on generations of great critical care nurses. Your smile was contagious. Thank you for your many years of commitment to our health care community 💛
Guestbook for
Pamela Ann Zinnecker