Paula Darlene Padberg, 73, of Patoka passed away Tuesday, December 29, 2020, at her home in Patoka.
She was born on April 1, 1947, the daughter of Paul and Lora (Paine) Torrence in Fayette County, IL. She married the love of her life, James “Jim” Padberg on November 26, 1966, in Patoka. Jim was waiting to be reunited and welcome Paula into Heaven with open arms as he preceded her in death on February 20, 2013.
Survivors that will remember Paula’s devotion to her family include her beloved children, son, Jim (Sandy) Padberg of Uvalde, Texas, and Lora Lee (Dale) Pearce of Patoka; precious grandchildren, Victoria Padberg (Braden), Savannah Padberg, Isabella Pearce, Brandy (Michael) Estes, Paul (Rebecca) Turpen, Brent (Kourtney) Turpen, Brad Turpen, and Olivia Pearce; great-grandchildren, Joey Estes, Matilyn Pearce, Kaleena Pearce, Jack Paul Will, Berkleigh Pearce, Blake Tom, Lorelai Turpen, Jalyn Will, and Raini Allen; sister, Nina Bliss of Greenville; brothers-in-law, Don “Cheetah” Padberg of Patoka, and Dave Padberg of Texas; sisters-in-law, Peggy Torrence, and Pat Torrence both of Patoka; and a host of special nieces and nephews.
Along with her husband of 46 years, Jim Padberg, Paula was preceded in death by both her parents, Paul and Lora Torrence; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Dick and Irene Padberg and brothers, Terry Torrence and Randy Torrence.
Paula was a faithful member of Patoka United Methodist Church where she was a vital asset and always at the ready to volunteer her time. She helped with Children’s Church, the church’s Wednesday night youth group, funeral luncheons, vacation bible school, and was superintendent of Sunday school. She played an important role in the community of Patoka, where she was a lifelong resident, and served as a member of the American Legion Auxiliary of Patoka, and United Methodist Women. Paula was a welcome, smiling face to all the children that rode the bus she drove for Patoka School for 40 years, even filling in after her retirement. She was a wonderful mentor to the children and took the time to offer them words of encouragement and praise. Paula held true talent for needlework in her fingers and found it relaxing. She was an avid reader, getting into her cozy chair and curling up with a good mystery. She liked gathering with friends and playing cards while sharing laughs and good times. Paula’s passion was her family and she treasured each moment that she was able to spend with them. Paula and her husband, Jim, had an amazing marriage and were proud of their home on “the Hill” which was a sanctuary for their family. Paula was a proud military wife and homemaker. She and Jim raised beautiful vegetable gardens that Paula would create tasty homemade relish out of. She was extremely proud of her children and grandchildren and was considered the rock of her family. Paula would never miss any game or activity that her children and then later her grandchildren were involved in. She could be found cheering them on from the stands and later sharing with them how proud they made her, as she was a natural encourager. Paula’s family and friends will hold on to all their wonderful memories, and they will carry on Paula’s selfless spirit of kindness, encouragement, and love.
Day Macz Funeral Home in Patoka is privileged to be assisting the family of Paula Padberg with arrangements. A celebration of life service will be held at 2:00 P.M. Monday, January 4, 2020, at the United Methodist Church in Patoka with Minster Micah Schnautz and Rev. Carol Lakota Eastin officiating. A private burial will follow in Patoka City Cemetery. A visitation time will be held from 11:00 A.M. until 2:00 P.M. at the church on Monday where those in attendance will be asked to wear a mask and maintain social distance. Memorials may be made in Paula’s honor to The United Methodist Church of Patoka, Patoka American Legion Auxiliary, or The American Cancer Association. Online condolences and memories of Paula may be shared with the family by visiting www.maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.
