Esther (Debo) Paulk

Graveside Services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Friday, April 26, 2024 in the Portales Cemetery with Pastor Wayne Boydstun officiating.    

Esther Paulk, a beacon of compassion and empathy, bid farewell to this earthly life on April 15, 2024, three months shy of her 89th birthday. Residing in Ottumwa, Iowa, Esther led a life filled with love, humility, and selflessness. Her spirit was as vibrant and warm as the raggedy Ann and Andy dolls she adored crafting, each stitch embodying her generous nature. Esther's life was a canvas painted with care for others and a deep devotion to her family and church.

Born on August 7, 1935, to Roy and Pansey (Riley) Debo. Esther's journey was one of service and dedication. She wore the badge of a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) with pride for 48 years, her empathetic nature and generous heart touching countless lives. Her work ethic and dedication inspired all who knew her. Even after retirement, Esther's tireless spirit found solace in crocheting and sewing, her nimble hands creating tangible tokens of her love. Widowed yet never alone, Esther found her greatest joy in the company of her beloved family and in the embrace of her church community at the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Ottumwa. Her humility shone in every thoughtful gesture, every kind word, and every moment of quiet strength.

Esther’s life was a testament to the power of love, compassion, and humility. Her legacy lives on not just in the lives she touched as a LPN, but in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her. While we mourn the loss of this extraordinary woman, we celebrate the remarkable life she lived and the love she shared so generously.

Survivors include, four children, David Paulk, Gladys Paulk, Helen (Barry) Jones, Charles Paulk; 8 grandchildren, James, Michael, Jonathan, Richard, Trisha, Tasha, Samantha, Anastasia; 8 great grandchildren, Zimri, Rowan, Hailey, Hunter, Phoenix, Drake, Lucia, Grace; three great great grandchildren, Dreamer, Noble, Kahlan and one on the way.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Pansey Debo, two grandchildren, Lucretia and Teddy and her husband, Ralph Paulk.   

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