Paula Delight Crumley

Paula Delight "Dee" Stewart Crumley, 85, of Topeka, passed away February 21st, 2016, surrounded by her loving family. Paula was born April 19, 1930 in Dunlap Kansas, the sixth daughter of Loren Lewelling and Abbie Irene (McCabe) Stewart.

She graduated from Junction City High School in 1947, and from nurses training at Kansas City General in 1951, where she earned her Registered Nursing Degree. After moving to Topeka in 1962, she worked at the Topeka State Hospital for several years, Stormont Vail Hospital for a short period, and then the Veteran's Administration hospital where she retired in 1994 after 25 years of service.

Paula was married to Sergeant Gerald Crumley at Ft. Riley Kansas in 1951.They divorced in 1962. They had three children.

Upon her retirement from nursing, Paula entered into her favorite occupation of being Nanny to her grandchildren, often stating that that was one of her "most favorite times" of her life.

Paula enjoyed spending time with her long time companion, Lester Wenger. Together they enjoyed traveling and dancing to big band music, and were admired by many with their smooth dancing moves.

Paula was a member of the Women of the Moose, the Annual Employee's Retirement Luncheon, Unity Church of Christianity, and Kansas Alpha chapter of Delta Theta Chi.

Paula enjoyed being with her family, traveling, dancing, crossword puzzles, sewing, playing cards with her friends, and volunteering for her church. Grandma Dee was extremely proud of her grandchildren, and she experienced great joy from watching them play sports and perform in a variety of musical performances.

She is proceeded in death by her parents, and her son, Sergeant Jeff Crumley, her sisters Lorene Bittenbender, Juanita Couch, Zelma Christian, Evelyn LeMere, Betty Dillon, and her brother Ronnie Stewart. She is survived by her brother Bill Stewart, her son Rex Crumley, her daughter Annelise (Rusty) Doty, her grandchildren Jordan Doty, Taryn (Ben) Gervais and Austin Doty, and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Paula's life will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 25 at the Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, 1321 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, KS. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5:00 - 6:00 pm on the day of the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Midland Care, 200 SW Frazier Circle Topeka, KS 66606 or to Harvesters Community Food Network, 215 SE Quincy, Topeka, KS 66603.

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