Pamela Ann Dustman

Pamela (Pam) Dustman, 72, of Westerville, Ohio passed away April 28, 2026, peacefully at home after a day of spring gardening. She is survived by her two children Jimmy Falk and Sam Dustman; and her three dogs: Zeke, Griffey, and Zoey. She is preceded in death by her husband of over 30 years, Frank Dustman, more affectionally known to all as Dusty.

Born in Massillon, Ohio, to Ellen and James Stuhldreher, after losing her father at a young age, she was helped raised and absolutely beloved by her grandparents. She attended Massillon Washington High School, class of 1971, where she participated in many student athletic and scholar programs. She spent most of her time in the water—whether as a swimmer, instructor, or lifeguard. When she wasn’t in the pool, she was often in the air—logging countless flights across the country with her grandfather, Karlton Stuhldreher, and, with his guidance and encouragement, earning her pilot’s license by the age of 15 along with many other aviation accomplishments. After high school, Pam moved to Columbus to attend Ohio State University. While at Ohio State, Pam met lifelong friends and worked for the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department. Also, she picked up her love of bowling, joining the Ohio State bowling team in its early beginnings. She would continue in the bowling business for the next two decades, most notably at Northern Lights, which she also helped manage. Pam then went on to work and volunteer at many Westerville City Schools, finding it her duty to help the children that needed it the most. It was at Wilder Elementary School where Pam met her future husband, Dusty. In the summers, Pam worked as a backstage manager at Polaris Amphitheater, where she befriended artists and coworkers alike. She also ushered at the Schottenstein Center for concerts and sporting events. After Dusty’s passing, she was welcomed with open arms back to the bowling community at Holiday Lanes where she cherished her time meeting new friends and family up to the end.

Pam was a devoted mother who never missed a game, practice, or any activity of her children, and was always willing to lend a hand to those in need. Gardening was her favorite pastime, with baseball a close second—often playing in the background as she spent countless hours from spring through fall tending to her gardens. She was always so thankful for the continued love and friendship from the Dustman, Maienza, and Falk families. Additionally, Pam was an avid reader of books, loved music (especially The Beatles and Paul), and was an animal lover.

In remembrance of Pam, we encourage planting a flower, shrub, or tree, and carrying forward her legacy by sharing kindness and empathy with others. Lastly, we extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who touched her life and the lives of our family over the years.