A longtime resident of Ashton, MD, Paula passed away peacefully on August 9, 2018. Born in Parkersburg, WV, to Delbert and Charlotte (Hackett) Rowley, Paula worked briefly at the Federal Reserve Office in Washington, DC, and then had a career spanning more than 30 years as a secretary in the Montgomery County Public School system, retiring in 1998. In her retirement, and even while tending to the needs of her own mom, she still found time to travel with friends and family, and made time to dote on her granddaughters. Paula was the definition of a kind and gentle spirit - a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She is survived by sons Dale (Kate) and Don (Anne); granddaughters Kelly (Justin), Jennifer, Katrina, and Michelle; great-granddaughter Eleanor; brothers Gary and Monty (Jill); and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. A memorial service will be held at Ashton Baptist Church, 17826 New Hampshire Ave., Ashton, MD on Saturday, August 25 at 11 a.m. (visitation at 10 a.m.) followed by interment at Union Cemetery, Burtonsville, MD and a luncheon back at the church. Donations may be made in Paula's name to The Alzheimer's Association (www.ALZ.org).