Mrs. Paula O. "Spooky" Ewing, 84, of Rochester, was surrounded by her loving family when she passed away at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, March 2, 2022 at Woodlawn Hospital of Rochester.
On June 18, 1937, Paula O’Dell Smeltzer was born in Bristol, VA. She was a treasured daughter of Andrew Frank and Maxi Dona Stipes Smeltzer. Growing up she shared her childhood with eight siblings.
Paula and Robert L. Ewing were married on October 18, 1955. They have shared 66 years of life’s adventures. Their union produced a daughter and four sons. The blessings of two more generations have been added to the family tree.
Many will remember, Paula's warm smile and helpful demeanor while assisting customers at Foley’s Jewelry Store, Spurgeon’s Department Store, Penguin Point, Dairy Bar and Collins Country Charm.
As the matriarch of four generations of the Ewing family, Paula cherished the time with her family. Granny was the official birthday cake maker. Her family could count on her to dial long distance with the Birthday song and greeting for every birthday as well. Potato salad and macaroni salad were always expected for the family dinners. Her amazing cheeseball could not be beat! Granny was the Queen of comfort food making certain her family was well fed creating their favorite culinary delights three times each day. To relax she enjoyed working word search puzzles.
Left to cherish Paula's memory are her husband, Robert Sr. and five children: Robert Ewing Jr. and wife Robin of Akron, Scott Ewing and wife Rose of Akron, Donna Ewing of Rochester, Frank Ewing and wife Shelly of Rochester, Fred Ewing and wife Heather of Rochester; 14 grandchildren: Dustin, Tanner, Brandon, Andrea, Alisha, Matthew, Tina, Derrick, Kayla, Cassie, Lucas, Brooke, Chelsea, Blake; numerous great-grandchildren with another blessing to arrive late 2022; sister, Alice Morrell of Vacaville, CA; two brothers: Allen Smeltzer of Hattiesburg, MS, Melvin Smeltzer of Bristol, VA; a sister and brother-in-law Jean and Pink DeRuiter of Plymouth; and several nieces and nephews.
Preceding Paula in death are her parents; great granddaughter Samantha; grandson Travis Ewing; four sisters: Tootsie, Merle, June, Lill; and brother Randall.
A celebration of the life of Mrs. Paula O "Spooky" Ewing will be at 2:00 PM on Monday, March 7, 2022 in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 West 18th St., Rochester. Chaplain Todd Wilson will officiate. Friends may visit with the family two hours prior to the service in the funeral home. Interment will be in the Rochester IOOF Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Manitou VFW Post 1343, 1703 Federal Drive, Rochester, IN 46975.
