Paula Jean McNeely was born at Fort Monmouth Army Hospital in New Jersey to Joseph F. and Jean (Stumbaugh) Pittinger. She passed away unexpectedly but peacefully on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, after a life filled with booming laughter, love, and determination.
She will be remembered for her quick wit, sense of humor, and passionate spirit. Paula was a kind and generous soul who helped anyone in need—often anonymously—and had a deep empathy for both people and animals.
Paula graduated from Madison Senior High School and attended North Central Technical College. Throughout her life, she worked primarily in the insurance industry and also held positions in real estate sales, bartending, and later as a hairstylist. Creative and entrepreneurial, Paula enjoyed crafting and making candles that were sold in several stores throughout Ashland and Wooster. She also shared her talents by teaching macramé classes.
She loved cheering for the Kansas City Chiefs—long before the Swifties—and the Cleveland Indians, and she enjoyed playing board games and euchre. Above all, she had a special place in her heart for animals, especially her beloved dogs—Maggie, Smokey, and Molly.
Paula is survived by her two daughters, Mindy Hitchcock of Utah and Karla (Thomas) Kester of Kansas; grandchildren Dallin Hitchcock, Amelia (Jacob) Fredrickson, Spencer (MaryKate) Hitchcock, Warren Savage, Averie Kester, and Cody Kester; great-granddaughters Vivian and Isabella Fredrickson; great-grandson Felix Hitchcock; her “baby brother,” with whom she shared birthdays, Jon Kline; brother Jim Pittinger; and Ronnie McNeely. Paula leaves behind by many dear friends, including Jackie Dunn, Cindy Johnson, Bonnie Crow, Frank and Linda Stanek, longtime friend Linda Applegate, and her favorite cousin, Betsy Carpenter.
Paula lived a full, vibrant, and colorful life, marked by laughter, kindness, love, and an unshakable spirit. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
The family will receive visitors beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1951 Middle Belleville Road, Mansfield, Ohio. Funeral services will follow at 10:00 a.m., with interment afterward at Mansfield Cemetery. Friends and family are welcome to share memories and reflections of Paula during the service.
In honor of Paula’s vibrant spirit, the family invites attendees to wear colorful attire, especially green, her favorite color. Memorial contributions may be made to the family in care of Wappner Funeral Directors.
