Paula Mae Stockton

Paula Mae Stockton, 74, passed into the arms of our Lord on September 15, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family after a courageous multi-year battle with cancer. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, September 25, 2026, at McLaren Resthaven Chapel, 801 19th Street, West Des Moines, Iowa 50265. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Westview Church, 1155 SE Boone Drive, Waukee, Iowa 50263. Burial will be at Resthaven Cemetery in West Des Moines.

Paula was born on November 17, 1951, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Lloyd Eugene and Corrine Mae Osborn. She spent her childhood in Prairie City, Iowa, and later attended Des Moines Technical High School, where she met the love of her life, Donald Carson Stockton. Their high school friendship grew into a loving marriage spanning 54 wonderful years of faith, family, skiing, sailing, travel, and countless adventures together.

Paula went on to obtain her Cosmetology License from Thompsons Beauty School and worked as a stylist for 47 years. An entrepreneur at heart, Paula founded and operated We Are Hair, building the business and its clientele through hard work, talent, and genuine care for others. What began as a business grew into a lasting community of close relationships which Paula deeply valued.

Paula always made her children Sarah and Zachary her priority. She often worked long and unconventional hours to accommodate both her clients and her children's activities, ensuring she was present for the moments that mattered. Her children's well-being, happiness, and success were among her greatest joys and proudest accomplishments. She loved her family fiercely and remained devoted to them throughout her life.

Paula found great joy in skiing, especially in Colorado, traveling with family and friends, sailing their family boat, and creating memorable experiences for those she loved. She loved hosting gatherings, preparing meals, and making sure everyone around her felt welcomed and had a wonderful time. Her warmth, humor, and entertaining spirit made her the life of any gathering.

In more recent years, Paula became a devoted grandmother. She took great pride in her grandchildren and delighted in spoiling them whenever she could. She rarely missed an opportunity to attend their activities, celebrate their accomplishments, and support them in all aspects of their lives. Few things brought her greater happiness than watching them grow and thrive.

Faith was a cornerstone of Paula's life. A partner of Westview Church in Waukee, she participated in church volunteer efforts throughout the years and consistently sought to share God's love with others. During her final months, she frequently spoke with family and friends about the assurance of her salvation through Jesus Christ. Through her faith in the saving grace of Jesus Christ, Paula faced her illness with courage, peace, and hope. The salvation she spoke of so often, particularly in her final months, has now become her eternal reality. Psalm 23 held a special place in her heart and reflected the faith that sustained her throughout her life.

Paula is survived by her devoted husband of 54 years, Donald Carson Stockton; her daughter, Sarah Catherine Massey; her son, Zachary John Stockton; her daughter-in-law, Hailee Louise Stockton; her sister, Penny Rae LaMar; and her beloved grandchildren, Joanna Catherine Massey, Augustus James Massey, Lucille Grace Massey, Olivia Louise Stockton, and Lena Mae Stockton.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd Eugene Osborn and Corrine Mae Osborn; her brother, Michael Eugene Osborn; and her son-in-law, Braddock Aaron Dakota Massey.

Paula will be remembered as a faithful wife, loving mother and grandmother, loyal friend, successful business owner, and a woman whose life was guided by faith and love. Her family will especially miss her unwavering partnership with Don, her generous heart, her infectious sense of humor, and the joy she brought to every gathering. Her legacy lives on through the family she cherished, the friendships she nurtured, and the countless lives she touched.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Many Hands, whose mission of serving others reflected values Paula held throughout her life.