Pamela J. (Avey) Bakner, 70, of Mont Alto, PA, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, October 17, 2025.
Born July 14, 1955, in Waynesboro, PA, Pam was the daughter of the late Ralph M. Avey, Sr. and Patricia J. (Walker) Avey.
On July 14, 1972, her 17th birthday, Pam married the love of her life, Robert “Bobby” E. Bakner, Sr., in Hagerstown, MD. They shared 45 years together before his passing in 2017. Their deep bond was a testament to loyalty and love.
Pam was well known around Waynesboro, where she worked for many years as a bartender at both the Waynesboro VFW and the Moose Club, retiring around 2016. She was a member of several local clubs including the VFW, Moose, Eagles, and the American Legion. In earlier years, she also enjoyed being part of the Sportsman’s Association.
More than anything, Pam loved her family. Being “Nannie” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren was the greatest joy of her life. She had a strong, feisty spirit, never afraid to speak her mind, and always ready with a smart remark or a laugh. Pam could be ornery in the best way, and she embraced life with humor and heart. She proudly cursed like a sailor, unapologetically herself at all times. She liked the simple things in life, like sitting on the porch, smoking a cigarette while listening to country music. She also enjoyed the companionship of several dogs over the years and was known to sneak them some of the food off of her own plate.
Pam is survived by her children, Buffy Koons (husband Robert “Bobby”) of Mont Alto, PA, and Robert E. Bakner, Jr. (wife Nicky) of Waynesboro, PA; her four beloved grandchildren: Cheyenne Koons, Skylar Bakner, Alora Hepfer, and Ashlee Hepfer; and seven great-grandchildren: Kingsley, Khloe, Kaylee, Brayden, Addison, Barbara, and Ellie.
She is also survived by her brothers: Ralph M. Avey, Jr. of Waynesboro, Steven A. Avey (Carla) of Waynesboro, and Michael E. Avey, Sr. (Doris) of Gettysburg, PA, along with many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, Pam was preceded in death by her daughter, Christy Ellen Bakner.
Per Pam’s wishes, services will be private and held at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Residential Home Health and Hospice, 100 Sterling Pkwy #110, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050, in honor of Pam. A heartfelt thank-you goes to her hospice nurse, Carolyn, who shared a special bond with Pam and helped make her final days more comfortable.
Arrangements are being handled by Grove-Bowersox Funeral Home, Waynesboro. Online condolences may be shared at www.bowersoxfuneralhomes.com.
