Phyllis Anne “Pam” Hartel

Phyllis Anne “Pam” Hartel, 93, of Beaumont, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. She was born October 10, 1932, in Richmond, Virginia, to Edna and Louis McClellan.

Pam lived a life defined by faith, family, and service to others. Raised and educated in all-girls Catholic schools, she carried the values instilled in her throughout her life. She later graduated from Grace Community Hospital as a Registered Nurse, beginning a remarkable 40-year career dedicated to caring for others. Her years in labor and delivery allowed her to welcome countless babies into the world, and she later worked alongside Dr. Dan Kohler, continuing her compassionate service. Nursing was not just her profession — it was her calling.

Her heart for helping others extended beyond her career. Pam devoted her time to serving the less fortunate through Some Other Place in Beaumont, offering kindness, dignity, and comfort to those in need.

A Charter member of St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church in Beaumont on Gladys Avenue, Pam’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. She cherished her involvement in the Women’s Group and the friendships she built there over the years.

Pam’s love language was food, and her kitchen was the heart of every gathering. Each Christmas Eve, family and friends were welcomed with a table overflowing with dishes prepared with care. Her legendary pound cake became a staple at every celebration — a sweet symbol of the warmth and love she so generously shared.

In her later years, Pam found joy and peace at the lake house in Milam. It was there that some of the family’s most treasured memories were made — fresh pound cakes cooling on the counter, fishing poles always in the water, and grandchildren and great-grandchildren filling the house with laughter. Nana was happiest when surrounded by her family. Whether it was soccer games, ballet recitals, or school events, she was always there — the proud, beaming face in the audience.

She is survived by her daughters, Kathi Manuel and her husband, Harold, of Kountze, and Deborah Wozniak of Beaumont; her brother, Louis McClellan and his wife, Doris, of Richmond, Virginia; her grandchildren, Jacob Manuel and his wife, Lindsey, of League City; Micah Manuel and his wife, Nisha, of Kountze; and Amanda Miller and her husband, Jerry, of Waterloo, Illinois; her great-grandchildren, Trevor and Trenton Manuel along with their mother, Monica Manuel; Mia, Clare, and Carter Miller; and Presleigh Manuel along with her mother, Jennifer Manuel; as well as nieces and nephews Mark and his wife, Angela; Tim and his wife, Kristen; Nancy and her husband, Chris; Quintin and his wife, Tammy; and numerous other beloved family members and special friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and her spouses, Charles Hartel, M.D., John Sargl, and Edward Ketchie.

Pam leaves behind a legacy of faith, compassion, hospitality, and unwavering devotion to her family. Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, or Some Other Place, P.O. Box 0843, Beaumont, Texas 77704.

A Rosary for Mrs. Hartel will be recited at 5:00 p.m., with a gathering of family and friends to follow until 7:00 p.m., Monday, March 2, 2026, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church, 6825 Gladys Avenue, Beaumont. Her cremation arrangements will be handled through Broussard’s Crematorium.