Pamela Ruth Hebensperger

Pamela Ruth (Marion) Hebensperger, beloved mother and “Meme,” passed away on January 28, 2026, at the age of 77.

Pam was born on August 12, 1948, in Borger, Texas, to Jean and Lorena (Foster) Purcell. She was raised in Borger and graduated from Borger High School, Class of 1966.

While growing up in Borger, Pam was an active member of the Rainbow Girls and the Girl Scouts of America. One of her favorite experiences was her time in Hawaii, where she served as a leader with the Girl Scouts.

She continued her education by taking courses at Frank Phillips College and Texas Technological College in Borger, Texas. She later earned her associate’s degree from Western Oklahoma State College in Altus, Oklahoma, and went on to pursue her bachelor’s degree at Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, Oklahoma, coming just one class shy of completion.

On March 29, 1968, Pam married Joe Neal Marion at Wesley United Methodist Church in Borger, Texas. They began their married life in Borger before relocating to Hobart, Oklahoma, in 1971, where they raised their family. Though their marriage later ended, Pam and Joe shared many meaningful years and remained connected through their children and grandsons.

Pam was a true entrepreneur, known for her strong work ethic and fearless independence. Early in her career, she worked at the Phillips Refinery in Borger in the answering service department. After moving to Hobart, she served as a secretary at Great Plains Farm Credit before she and Joe opened their own gym, The Body Shoppe, and later operated a tanning salon, Tans by Pam.

Pam also introduced many new ideas to Hobart, including the Cambridge Diet, body wraps, the original tanning booths, Hobart’s first racquetball court, and custom T-shirts and hats. She later worked in the accounting office at Walmart, at the Granite Reformatory, and co-owned and operated The Enterprise, a restaurant and convenience store. She also worked at Altus Air Force Base, on survey crews, stayed overnight with hospital patients, and as a private caregiver.

Pam was truly one of a kind. She had a great sense of humor, a contagious laugh, and an unmistakable signature hair and style. She was rarely seen without one of her scarves. She loved being near the water and was happiest sunbathing, fishing, or simply soaking up the sun. An excellent lifeguard, Pam spent several summers at the Hobart Country Club when her children were young.

In her earlier years, Pam loved to dance, host lively gatherings, and open her home to friends. She was an avid exercise enthusiast and firmly believed in staying active. She was also a talented creator and artist, and her paintings beautifully reflect her creativity.

Christmas was Pam’s absolute favorite holiday, and she began decorating in October. Her Christmas tree was famously overloaded with no fewer than 10,000 white lights.

Pam was preceded in death by her mother, Lorena Purcell; her brother, Terry Purcell; her former husband, Joe Neal Marion; and Jim Hebensperger.

She is survived by her son, Joe Neal Marion II, and his wife, Sharon; her daughter, Angela Carney, and her husband, Michael; her grandsons, Joe Neal Marion III and his wife, Kaelyn; and Cole Carney, all of Yukon, Oklahoma; and her sister-in-law, Sandi Purcell, of Mead, Nebraska.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, February 13, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Chapel at Oklahoma City Cremation, 807 West Wilshire Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73116.