Pamela Lindell Sikkink, 72, of Missoula, MT passed away on October 13, 2026, at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula.

She was born April 1, 1954, in Bemidji, MN to Erv and Norma Lindell. On June 11,1977 she married Arthur Sikkink after graduating from Bemidji State University with a degree in Geology.

She moved to Montana and then Colorado and undertook field research working for the U.S. Geologic Survey. Upon completion of that project Pam moved back to Montana to attend the University of Montana for a Master of Science in Geology.

Her research work was interrupted with the birth of daughter Kristin and Pam's creative side emerged when she began weaving reed baskets and opened a small retail arts and crafts shop while caring for Kristin. She also became involved with USA Track & Field becoming a certified official working meets locally and with the national USATF youth organization.

In the early 1990's, Pam returned to her education and research interests obtaining a second Master of Science in the UM School of Forestry and Conservation, following that with a PhD in Landscape Ecology also from UM. That lead to employment with the U.S. Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station Missoula Fire Sciences Lab, as a Research Ecologist and later archivist for the station.

Pam's interest in nature and ecology transferred into hobbies of gardening, hiking, and X-country skiing. She also became involved with the Five Valleys Orchid Society in Missoula and helped maintain a relatively large number of orchids with her husband.

Pan is survived by her husband, Art, Missoula, daughter Kristin (Adam Lif) and granddaughter, Tara, Fallbrook, CA, her mother, Norma Lindell, and 3 brothers Mike (Belinda), Dale (Becky), and Rick (Tami) all of Bemidji MN.

A short memorial/celebration of life will be held on Thursday Oct 22 at 4:00 at the Eagles Club in Bemidji for family and friends.