Pam Turnbull, beloved wife, stepmother, sister, friend and horsewoman, passed away on July 8, 2026 in Santa Barbara.

A public memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Monday, Aug. 3 at St. Mark’s In-the-Valley Episcopal Church, 2901 Nojoqui Ave., Los Olivos.

Pam was an accomplished riding instructor in Santa Ynez and the heart of her family.

Pam is survived by her husband Sandy; stepchildren Andrea, Spencer (Pearson), Trevor (Jennifer), and Larry; grandchildren Aidan, Ryan and Charlie; brothers Mark (Cheryl) and Larry (Theresa); and numerous nephews.

Pamela Lynn Peabody was born in Torrance, California, where her lifelong love of horses was sparked while riding her pony among the rolling hills near her family home in Palos Verdes.

As a teenager she began taking lessons and showing horses with renowned Western trainer Glenn Gimpel, who she later married. The two lived in Costa Mesa, where Pam managed the Orange County Fairgrounds.

Pam moved to the Santa Ynez Valley to be closer to her parents after Glenn passed away. 

She began teaching riding lessons and mentoring young riders at Amore Ranch, where she became a trusted guide, supporter, and role model to countless children. Many young people who needed encouragement, direction, or simply someone to believe in them found that person in Pam.

In 1994 Pam married Sandy Turnbull, a longtime Santa Ynez Valley farmer. Together they built a life centered on horses, family, friendship and community. Pam was a loving stepmother to Sandy’s children Andrea, Spencer and Trevor, and a doting grandmother.

She was the driving force in organizing cherished holiday reunions, where everyone would look forward to the pecan pies Pam would bake according to her mother Ruth’s recipe.

Pam’s family and friends alike would anticipate her spirited annual Amore Ranch Christmas party.

Pam was generous with her talents as an instructor, teaching riders of every background. She looked beyond a person’s circumstances to discern their love of horses and willingness to learn.

Pam devoted countless hours promoting horse shows, supporting fellow riders, and working behind the scenes to strengthen the equestrian community.

On weekends Pam often traveled throughout California — and often beyond — to attend horse shows and support her friends.

Pam was deeply involved with the Pacific Coast Horse Show Association, where she managed and promoted shows and served as secretary.

Later in life she embraced the joys of trail riding, and her dedication to the trail riding community was recognized when she was named Filly of the Year in 2025.

Pam is deeply missed and fondly remembered by her family, friends, students, and the broader Santa Ynez Valley horse community.

She will be remembered for the love she shared, the lives she touched, the riders she mentored, and the friendships she nurtured.