Palone, Paula Maxine's Obituary
Paula Maxine Palone, 86, of Palmetto, Florida, passed away on February 22, 2025. Born on December 24, 1938, in Chanute, Kansas, Paula graduated from Wichita West High School in 1957. She continued her education at Butler Community College in El Dorado, Kansas, where she earned an Associate of Science degree. Paula also attended Wichita State University. In her career, Paula worked at Beech Aircraft and Wesley Medical Center, where she made lasting contributions and was well-loved by her colleagues. Paula lived in several places throughout her life, including Towanda, KS, Leon, KS, Fox Lake at Cassoday, KS, and Grandbury, TX, before settling in Palmetto, Florida.
Paula had a lifelong passion for needlework and was highly skilled in crochet, knitting, sewing, embroidery, and cross-stitch. Her love for these crafts brought beauty into the lives of those around her. Paula had a heart full of wanderlust. Whether taking a local bus tour or cruising to a remote tropical paradise, she embraced the adventure and wonder of the world. She enjoyed regular socializing and people watching. But, it’s the fun, colorful way she described herself that truly captured her essence. In a profile from one of her social groups, she wrote:
“Sporty little Coupe with respectable wear who can take a challenge to a quarter mile, fender to fender. These wheels don’t play ‘Chicken.’ Stock chassis. Never lowered, leaded, channeled, tufted, or rolled and pleated. Plenty of good miles left. A tad slow on the take off. Could tolerate a slight tune up without a rumble. Can drown a worm with the best ‘mud holer,’ or drag them in a bass buster. Fries up a pretty good plate of crappie, and Momma taught me how to bake an apple pie, Billy Boy. On the other hand, a filet mignon with a glass of Asti Spumante and a bit of ‘Bolero’ in the background is a good speed, too. Ready to join the crowd watching those ‘long leggers’ make the three pointers, or brave the North wind and snow with just a warm shoulder to cuddle up to. A kid at heart, fond of flying kites, picnicking at the park, concerts on the river bank and sunsets with family at the lake.”
Paula is survived by her children, Michael (Ronna) Dunham, Michelle Schooley, Brian (Sherry) Dunham, Jeffrey (Pamela) Dunham, and Robin (Clark) Buehler. She is also survived by several grandchildren, many of which have fond memories of sleepovers, bus excursions and days spent chatting with Grandma.
Paula was preceded in death by her parents, Max and Bernice Hutchinson; her brother, Monte Hutchinson; her son-in-law, David Schooley; and her former husbands, Leon Dunham and Richard Palone.
Paula's memory will be cherished by her family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know her.
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