Paula Bell Obituary
She was born on July 17, 1963, the daughter of Carl and Donna (Thomas) Wester.
Paula is survived by her mother, Donna, of Ashland; children, Austin Bell (fiancé Madison Clem) of Chatham and Alex (Tim) Tackett of St. Paul, Minnesota; grandchildren, Sloan and TJ Tackett; and sisters, Carla (Craig) George and Lynn Eades. She was preceded in death by her father.
Paula graduated from Ashland High School as the Salutatorian of her class and later from Robert Morris College. She worked in the departments of transportation and revenue for the State of Illinois and retired in 2023. She also worked at Macy's and Bergner's at the cosmetic counter where she met her best friend, Paula Painter.
Paula had previously been a member of the First Baptist Church in Ashland. After she moved to Chatham in the early 2000s, she became a member of Cherry Hills Church in Springfield, where she was very involved. She attended bible study group, Sunday school, and also volunteered frequently with members of her church to help Wooden It Be Lovely, an organization that offers hope and employment to women healing from lives of poverty, addiction, and abuse.
She enjoyed gambling, particularly, slots. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, who affectionately called her "Lala." The most important aspects of her life were her faith, grandchildren, and friendship.
A funeral service will be held at 11 AM Friday, March 13, 2026, at Cherry Hills Church in Springfield, with burial at Ashland Cemetery to follow. The family will meet friends from 10 until the time of service. Memorial donations can be made to Wooden It Be Lovely. The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home Ashland is in charge of the arrangements.
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4 Entries
Toni Diefenback
March 13, 2026
My sincere condolences to Paula´s family and friends. Paula and I were friends from working at the Illinois Department of Revenue. We took walks on break and shared stories of our children, parents, and life. We got along terrifically!!! We laughed a lot! I also would stop and see her when I was shopping at Bergner´s. Rest in peace friend.
Jess Ford
March 10, 2026
Paula, our Angel.... You were such a beautiful light in my life and all the girls at Wooden It Be Lovely and we are so grateful to have known such an amazing soul. Love you girl
Karen Kuhn
March 10, 2026
I met Paula when our boys played soccer together for the Rowdies. Walks and talks during practices and tournaments. Running into Paula in later years, the conversations were all about Alex and Austin. She spoke of them with much love and pride. And more recently-it was all about her grandchildren! Austin and Alex-I´m keeping you in my prayers.
Dorothy Meyer Greer
March 9, 2026
I was very saddened to hear of Paula´s passing! I grew up with Paula in Ashland then worked with her at the Il Department of Revenue for many, many years. Paula was a very sweet, thoughtful and caring friend! She always had a smile on her face and was full of love and joy towards everyone! She will be greatly missed. My sincerest condolences to her kids, grandkids and the entire Wester family. As in the song "On Eagles Wings", "He will raise you up on Eagles wings, bare you on the breath of dawn, make you to shine like the sun and hold you in the palm of His hand"...
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221 W. Editor St., Ashland, IL 62612
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