Paula Kaye Koehly

     Paula Kaye Koehly, 52, of Chillicothe, Missouri, passed away in Chillicothe on March 5, 2026. She was born on August 21, 1973, in Chillicothe, Missouri.

     Though born in Chillicothe, Paula spent most of her life at Mashburn’s in Bolivar, Missouri,

where she was surrounded by caregivers and friends who came to know and love her gentle

spirit.

     Paula faced lifelong physical challenges, yet though she could not speak through words, she

spoke to all of us in the ways that mattered most. Her bright eyes and radiant smile

communicated a joy that reached straight into the hearts of those around her. She brought

happiness to so many — not through grand gestures, but through a simple, pure joy that was

unmistakable.

     Paula was strong and resilient. Her life was not defined by limitations, but by the love she gave

and the light she carried. She had a remarkable ability to make others feel warmth and happiness

simply by being present.

     Her father, Gary Koehly of Chillicothe, Missouri, was her person. When he entered a room,

Paula’s eyes would light up and her smile would grow even brighter, filling the space with

warmth. The bond they shared was unmistakable and deeply felt by everyone who witnessed it.

She is survived by her father and step-mother, Gary and Connie Koehly of Chillicothe, Missouri;

her mother, Cheryl Sprong of Kansas City, MO; her siblings, Tammie Garrison of Chillicothe,

Missouri, Tara Hey of Kansas City, Missouri, Randall Koehly of Chillicothe, Missouri, and Gary

Koehly Jr. of Saratoga Springs, Utah; and many extended family members, caregivers, and loved

ones who cherished her presence.

     Paula was preceded in death by her grandparents Dorothy and Francis Koehly, Peggy and

Clarence Sams, Fleeta and James Herbert Boyd, and Pinky Lower.

Though Paula faced challenges throughout her life, her spirit was never limited. She reminded

those around her that joy does not require words and love does not require perfection. Her smile

was a gift — one that will be remembered and carried forward by all who knew her.

     Her life was a quiet but powerful testimony that even the smallest expressions of happiness can

leave the greatest impact.

     Visitation will be held at 9:30 to 10:30 AM at Heritage Funeral Home in Chillicothe, MO with graveside services to follow at Mooresville Cemetery on March 10, 2026 at 11:00 AM.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Grace Chapel Church.