Pamela Doreen Senko

Pamela Doreen Senko was born in Fort Collins, Colorado, to Virginia and David Senko. One of her earliest memories was of snow in Connecticut, where she lived briefly as a young child. She spent most of her childhood in the close-knit town of Lexington, Illinois, the oldest of four siblings.

Pam’s life was shaped by resilience and love. When her mother passed away at age 40, Pam was just 13 and became the primary caretaker for her younger siblings while her father traveled for work. Despite this responsibility, she fully embraced her high school years—playing flute in the band, excelling in her studies, and even making the homecoming court.

She married David Elder at 19, and during their 11-year marriage, she graduated from college and welcomed two children she would forever cherish. In 1986, she followed a lifelong calling to ministry, moving to Indianapolis to raise her kids while earning both a Master of Divinity and a Master’s in Counseling (MA/LMHC) from Christian Theological Seminary. She maintained a strong faith community at Central Christian Church in Indianapolis, where the community embodied her sense of welcoming and the wonder of people, no matter who they are.

Pam was a passionate counselor, teacher, and spiritual leader who believed deeply in the goodness and potential of every person. She lived a life of service, approaching her clients, students, and colleagues with compassion, respect, and an absolute belief in their inherent worth—regardless of their past, identity, or circumstances. She loved her garden and flowers, especially iris, and swimming, especially in the Summer outdoors at the Baxter YMCA.

A lifelong learner, Pam was always eager to share new discoveries-especially if she knew it would spark your curiosity or joy. She adored her children and grandchildren and found endless creative ways to make them feel deeply loved, from thoughtful gifts to imaginative games and activities. In the last few years, she painted unique watercolor birthday cards for each grandchild that reflected their interests and always gave gifts based on a person’s individual passion.

Pam passed away peacefully on July 25 after a courageous 10-month battle with aggressive cancer. Through it all, she remained grounded in hope and found laughter whenever she could.

She is survived by her daughter, Abby (Chris) Hunt, and her son, Brandon (Michelle) Elder; and her beloved grandchildren: Elliot, Oliver, and Aaron Hunt, and Emerson and Wyla Elder. She is also survived by her brother, Jon (Dorinda) Senko, and her nieces Lauren Senko, and Alex and Sophia Senko—whom she always loved, even from afar.

In her memory, do something for someone that brings them joy, plant a flower that makes you smile, schedule your mammogram, and/or get genetic testing for cancer associated genes if you have a strong family history.

If you prefer to make a donation, please give to your favorite organization that truly embodies the following values: Embrace each other’s differences. There are no lists of qualifications to be a valuable human. You don’t have to look or talk or think or be like anyone else. Whoever you are, you are invited. Here, you are welcome without exceptions.