Paula DeLoof

Paula P. DeLoof, age 83, of Portage, MI passed away at Bickford Cottage in Portage on Dec 17. Paula was born in Jackson, MI on July 16, 1933, the daughter of Ralph B. and Pauline (Bowersox) Axtell. Paula was a homemaker living in Plainwell, and a part time bookkeeper for Aspen Displays, Kalamazoo, a company she co-owned with her husband. She also was a lead volunteer for the Literacy Council of Plainwell and a former member of St. Ann's Catholic Church. Paula was preceded in death by by her husband, Ronald on Aug. 5, 1997; son, Steven in 2004, and a sister, Sonja Pfeifle in 2004. Surviving are three daughters; Laurie & Larry Pruitt of Kalamazoo, Lisa & Phillip Bauman of Hickory Corners and Catherine and Lincoln Lindsey of Comer, GA; Granddaughter, Claire Lindsey; siblings, Marcia & James Phillips of AZ, George & Carol Axtell of NC and Sister-In-Law, Patricia Santek of Marshall; many nieces and nephews. She enjoyed reading, puzzles and spending time with family at their summer cottage on Portage Lake in Northern Michigan. In her later years, her favorite activity was painting. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Hospice of S.W. Michigan, to the staff at Bickford Cottage for their loving care, and to Patricia Hinckley for her weekly painting instruction. Cremation has taken place. A private Memorial Service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of S.W. Michigan.