Paula Marie (McDowell) DeVore died suddenly August 22, 2024 at Unity Point Hospital in Des Moines Iowa after a brief battle with lymphoma cancer, but ultimately dying of an aortic aneurysm.
Paula was born August 15, 1963 to Lloyd and Pauline (Hannam) McDowell. She was always a fun loving little girl who loved living on the farm so she could ride her horses and play with her dogs. She loved going fishing with her Mom and Dad in the farm pond or going to a lake. Her early years were spent attending Melrose Elementary School. She then went on to graduate from Albia High School with the class of 1981. In 1987 Paula married Dennis DeVore and they were blessed with a daughter Nycole and son Michael. They later divorced and Paula was a stay-at-home mom raising their children and working. Paula found her niche with Casey’s General Stores starting in Seymour and Centerville then moving to Knoxville as a manager. She later transferred to the Pleasantville store from where she recently retired after 21 years of above and beyond service to the company. Paula was a very outgoing and loving friend to everyone she met. If you knew her, you loved her because you felt her love. She knew when you needed a hug, an extra dollar or just a visit and someone to talk to. Kids were always so special to her. Her little cousins thought of her as “Aunt Paula” and were excited to see her as it was time for the “10-second-hug” and a treat!! Moving to Knoxville opened Paula up to a whole new set of true and loyal friends. She had friends everywhere but Knoxville and Pleasantville was where she really found her people. Each of you know who you are because of the the special bond YOU had with her, so keep that in your heart.
Paula is survived by her Dad, Lloyd McDowell; daughter Nycole (Justin) Wood; son, Michael; four grandchildren, and many Hannam and McDowell aunts, uncles & cousins. She was preceded in death by her Mom, Pauline; younger brother, Dean, and step mom, Deanie McDowell. Also her grandparents Paul and Margaret Hannam and Jim and Irene McDowell preceded her in death. Services will be Thursday, August 29, 2024 at St. Patricks Catholic Church in Melrose Iowa.
Visitation to begin at 9am and Mass of Christian Burial at 10am. Burial immediately following at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. The family would like to thank Unity Point Mission and Cancer Physicians and the her loving nurses on the oncology floor. You were all above and beyond wonderful- thank you. Paula loved the music therapist (Emma) who played and sang her favorite songs every Tuesday and Friday while she was in the hospital. Thank you to Father Nick Smith from Christ the King Parish for your visits to Paula. She loved and appreciated so much support. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mount Calvary Cemetery, Melrose, Iowa in memory of Paula DeVore.
