Pamala Maples

Pamala Lee Maples (Bunch) passed away peacefully in her home on January 15, 2026.

She was born May 17, 1944, to I. Lee Bunch and Virginia Bunch (Ferman). After high school graduation she married R.Kent Maples and together they had 4 children. He survives. She married Frank Maher in 1997, and he preceded her in death in 2017.

Pam spent her younger years raising her 4 children while working her way through college to receive her Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Millikin University. She went back to school again and received her Master of Business Administration from Idaho State University. Her career was mainly in the healthcare field. From accounting to Regional Director to CEO of several hospitals to consulting, she spent many years making the healthcare field the best it could be. This includes building 2 new hospitals, 1 in Wyoming and 1 in Arizona! Everyone who worked with her loved her as she was always ready to listen to all her employees to make work better for all. Her motto was always “Work Hard, Play Hard!” and she lived that every day and was a great role model.

She was the biggest supporter of her 4 kids as “Mom” was one of her favorite titles. Pam always showed up no matter how busy her day was with work or whatever else she was involved in at the time. Anytime we looked to the stands mom was always there even if she brought her meeting to the game! She wouldn’t miss them as her 4 kids were always her priority. There was always a party at the Maples’ house or later in life at Granni’s as Pam sure knew how to throw them and loved a house full of people. Always there to listen no matter how big or small the problem was. Pam was direct whether you wanted to hear it or not but she was also there to help you come up with solutions to fix it and make it better.

Pam was also the biggest cheerleader for all of her grandkids & great grandkids in their various sports & events. Granni, as they called her and maybe her most favorite title, never missed a game or event that she didn’t have to. She was the loudest one there to tell you how great you did and maybe give a few helpful hints or just give you a big hug if that is what you needed after a tough game. She wasn’t just Granni to her grandkids/great grandkids but to all of their friends too and she loved every bit of it. She would walk into a gym, and she would hear “Hi Granni” from all over and she loved them just like her own. Family was what mattered to her most of all.

She loved playing games as well with whomever wanted to pick up a game. She loved playing games with all those at Arbor Court as she made many friends in just the few years she was there. Not only did she help with scheduling game days and breakfast and lunch outings but helped on the board as well. Pam never knew a stranger and all who met her loved her. She always fought for what was right. Besides her kids and grandkids/great grandkids and games she also enjoyed the outdoors. She loved to water ski, snow ski, roller coasters and had a green thumb. She also loved animals. She will be so incredibly missed. It will be difficult to trudge through this world without her but will try to do it with as much love and grace as she did and live by her motto “Work hard, play hard.”

She is survived by her children, Rick (Bobbi) Maples, Lisa (Dale) Robling, Greg Maples and Jill (Shane) Snearly all of Moweaqua, IL. Her grandchildren Tyler & Keila Aydt, Kalee Stoutenborough, Jeffrey & Ally Wise, Samantha Wise, Mikah Maples, Jeske Maples, Marissa Snearly, Kylee Snearly, Dalton Snearly. Great grandchildren Lilly Wise, Jasper Wise, and Grayson Aydt.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, parents and her dog, Beau.

There will be a Celebration of Life at the Macon Community Center, 1039 S Woodcock Rd, Macon, IL 62544 on Sunday, March 8^th from 1-3 pm.