Pam Kliewer Eulogy – by her husband, Scott

Pamela Sue Weber was born April 8, 1953, to William (Bill) and Vera Weber in Ottawa, KS. She was the middle child of three children in the home. Pam was educated in Ottawa and graduated from Ottawa High School in 1971. She attended Bob Jones University in Greenville, SC where she earned a B.A. degree in Piano Performance. Pam remained on campus after graduation where she was employed at Unusual Films as a secretary. It was during this time that she met her husband to be, Scott Kliewer. It is not coincidental they met one weekend ministering in music for the Lord at a local church in North Carolina. It was a match directed by the all-knowing hand of the Lord. They were married August 5, 1978, at Calvary Baptist Church in Ottawa.

Pam faithfully served by her husband’s side as a pastor’s wife in Charleston, IL for two years where she served in various capacities in the Christian school and church, and then in Newton, KS at Meridian Baptist Church for the next forty years up until the time of her death. Her faithfulness in ministry was the result of her faith in Jesus Christ unto Salvation as a young girl and her dedication to God’s Word and God’s calling upon her life.

From a public perspective, Pam is known for her proficiency on the piano. She not-so-fondly remembers her mother insisting one hour per day practice sessions with her mother on the piano bench at Pam’s side. Pam would see the neighbor kids playing outside and ask mother if she could join them, only to hear her mother say, “You may join them when you are finished.” All of us who ever heard Pam play can be thankful for the persistence of both her and her mother to stick with it. But it wasn’t just persistence and practice … it was a gift from the Lord. When Pam was in second grade, she remembers beginning to play for church where her dad served as the pastor. Her giftedness was displayed when someone would come up and talk to her when she was playing a prelude to a service or practicing with someone and she could look at them and talk, not missing a beat or a note, playing as skillfully and beautifully as ever. She was a master accompanist, doing so much to enhance the ones for whom she was accompanying, whether it was a solo, small group, choir, or the congregation. It was more about them, the message, and how it was conveyed than about herself and her ability. She was simply a natural. Her giftedness was notably appreciated by those whom she accompanied when she could assess their vocal range and offer to play a song in a different key to make it more singable. She was especially conscious of songs that were written so high that made it difficult for most people to sing comfortably.

A couple of little-known facts about her musical background include accompanying a girls’ vocal ensemble in her high school called the “Notables,” playing clarinet in her high school marching band (I believe she was first-chair), and being a member of the Church Choir in college. She never really thought she could sing and somehow managed to forego the tryout for the choir by pulling some strings. She definitely made it known that she was the most comfortable on a piano bench. Even when we would have company at our house, she would immediately offer to sit on the piano bench so that others could have the comfortable seats.

That’s just the way she was, always making sure that others were more comfortable than her and enjoying the best that she could give to them. She is perhaps the most selfless, merciful, giving person; and her family and closest friends will attest to that fact. From comments the family has received in texts and emails, to Facebook posts, and even comments in her yearbooks, the most often used trait expressed to describe her is “sweet” or “sweetest.” She had such a unique way of endearing herself to whomever she spoke, making them feel special. One way she endeavored to make people feel special was sending cards or notes of encouragement to family and church family. Even recently she had ordered multiple boxes of cards designated for her ministry of encouragement. She would take great pains to be sure to say just the right thing, and yet it seemed to just flow out of her pen because, just as she was at the piano, she was a natural. It was natural because it was a spiritual gift from the Lord, that of mercy, which she used very effectively.

For those who were closest to her, pampering them with their favorite things was her expertise. She had a knack of remembering when a person said they really liked something or it was their favorite, whether it was an activity, something tangible that would be suitable as a gift, or especially something to eat. She absolutely LOVED stocking up with favorite foods, snacks, candy, etc.; and providing goodie bags for everyone for their trip home was an absolute MUST!

There are so many more things to talk about and it is likely that most of you have your own experience as to how God used her in your life to be a blessing. Doubtless, she is already missed and will continue to be missed. I don’t believe anyone will miss her more than I will.

I take my encouragement from the Lord and His sovereign power and plan.

God Makes no Mistakes.