Paula Colley

Paula Ann Colley, age 63, of Miller, Missouri, passed away at 2:58 a.m. on Friday, July 18, 2025, at her home, surrounded by her family. She was born October 15, 1961, in Carthage, Missouri, the daughter of Paul Allen and Lois Vivian (Etcheson) Baird, Jr.

Paula was a 1979 graduate of Jasper High School in Jasper, Missouri after spending her early childhood moving from military base to base until her father got out of the U.S. Navy. 

Paula graduated from Crowder College with her RN degree and spent the next 43 years caring for others. Paula was very creative. She loved to cross stitch, crochet, sew and quilt. She loved making baby blankets and giving them to friends and family. She was a wonderful mother, daughter, sister, and friend. She was a member of the Risen Ranch Cowboy Church.

Paula is survived by her children: Sarah Callaway of Clinton, Missouri; Mary Jo (Reed) Barnes of La Russell, Missouri; Rachel (Josh) Rapp of Aurora, Missouri; Shannon (Cody) Shearin, of Billings, Montana; and Louis Colley of Cassville, Missouri; one brother, Mark Baird of Jasper, Missouri; one sister, Tammy (Tom) Noland of Afton, Oklahoma; 13 grandchildren:, Lexi, Taylor and Ivy Callaway, Saige Colley, Ren Barnes, Tanner Colley, Scarlett Colley-Means, Rebekah and Jackson Rapp, Aleese Shearin, Karli, Kole and Kody Conard; and a host of family and friends.

Paula was preceded in death by her parents, Paul, and Lois Baird; her daughter, Elizabeth Sue (Susie) Colley and her granddaughter, Viola Charlene (Charlie) Colley.

A visitation was held from 6–8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at Fossett-Mosher Funeral Home, in Mt. Vernon, Missouri. 

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at Risen Ranch Cowboy Church. Burial will be held at a later date at Waters Cemetery.

Online condolences may be shared at www.FossettMosherFuneralHome.com.