Paula Jeanette Stover

Paula Jeanette Johnson was born December 14th, 1947 in La Junta, Colorado to Howard and Freda Johnson. Paula was the oldest of three girls, sister to Peggy and Patsy.

Paula always had a knack of doing things her own way which was clearly evident as she passed away on December 7th, 2021 at the Pikes Peak Hospice & Palliative Care unit in Penrose Hospital. She told her family she was tired and ready to go home to start her new chapter. She leaves her family and friends with saddened hearts but with great anticipation of when we will meet again.

Paula lived in Manzanola for the first few years of her life before moving to Denver where she would graduate High School. Paula loved the country and farm life and would often spend summers with her Grandpa and Grandma Johnson in Manzanola.

Paula moved to California where her first two children, Damon and Danette were born. While in California she was part owner and operator of a paint and body shop. She met and became dear friends to Gordon and Judy Hayden, who years later moved to Colorado to be near her.

Paula enjoyed telling stories of Grandma Johnson stoking fires while she slept in a feather bed. She also had stories of community water dipper and having to use the outhouse as there was no running water or bathroom inside the house.

Paula, Damon, and Danette moved to Colorado around 1978. She met Ed Stover, the love of her life, in June of 1979 and they married March 8th, 1980. Jason, who shares his birthday with Danette, and Chauna were born due to their union.

Paula became Town Clerk of Manzanola until the family moved to Lamar. Many weekends were spent coming and going to Manzanola to help parents and in-laws. Paula and family moved to La Junta in October of 2006. Paula also worked for Big R and Rocky Ford Radio Station. When Ed and his business partner, Bonnie Crockett opened their own CPA firm, Paula was the office manager at the La Junta and as usual Ed’s Boss.

Paula worked with Ed until the last episode she had in the hospital. She always told Ed he could not retire until he worked as long as she did, so it looks like Ed has another few years to go as she will be watching!

Paula joined First Christian Church in Manzanola. She was active in helping with monthly newsletters, which she enjoyed immensely. She also helped in teaching Sunday school as well as other church functions. She dearly loved the First Christian Church of Manzanola.

Paula became dear friends to numerous people in Lamar and La Junta which was clearly evident from the numerous prayers and visits during her last illness.

Paula is survived by her husband of 42 years, Ed (Chadwick as she often called him), sons, Damon (Stephanie) Stover and Jason Stover (Bella and Jangers); daughters, Danette (Kevin) Ingland and Chauna Stover; grandchildren, Timothy Roesies, DJ Stover, Breydan Stover, Jaryn Stover, Taylor Stover-Elam, and Kolton Stover-Elam; sisters, Peggy (David) Disney and Pat Johnson; in-laws, Cheryl (Daryl) Grasmick, Richard (Mary) Stover, Pam (Jerry) Marroney and Lisa (Delmore) Walton; numerous nieces and nephews, and dear friends, Bonnie & Doug Hume, David & Jonie Jimenez, and Gordy Hayden.

Paula was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Freda Johnson, in-law’s, Bud & Alice Stover, and good friend, Judy Hayden.

The family would like to thank the many wonderful nurses who cared for Paula at UC Memorial Central as well as the loving care she and her family received from Pikes Peak Hospice and Palliative Care in Colorado Springs.

A memorial service will be Saturday, December 18, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. at the First Christian Church of Manzanola with Pastor John Dell officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Manzanola First Christian Church or Pikes Peak Hospice and Palliative Care.

Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.