Paula R. (Hood) Gleason, departed this life September 4, 2024. She was born September 30, 1945 in St. Louis MO to John and Juanita Hood and later attended high school and college in Springfield, MO. She and Harold “Parkie” Gleason were married March 6, 1965.

The oldest of four children and mother of four children she took pleasure in family as her first love. Blessed with creativity, she delighted in assisting her husband at his art studio in downtown Springfield, running an antique shop, free-lance writing and teaching. In recent years she used her creativity and caring spirit to design and sew prayer quilts for the ministry of Holy Trinity Threaders. Besides her family, her most treasured honor was a Civilian Service award from the United States Army while serving as Director of Driver Improvement Programs for the Safety Council of the Ozarks.

She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Parkie Gleason and children, Stacia (Rick) Garland, Deerfield Beach, FL; Christie (John) Caudillo, Lenexa, KS; Paul (Elaine) Gleason, Lenexa, KS; Carrie Gleason (Mo Mora), Springfield, MO. Grandchildren, Wyatt Newport (Jessica), Emily Beeler (Sean), Joseph Caudillo, Lucia Caudillo, Hannah Caudillo, Parker Gleason and bonus grandchildren, Jacob, Kat and Jennifer. She is also survived by brothers David (Rebecca) Hood and Stephen Hood. She is predeceased by her brother Philip Hood and her parents John and Juanita Hood.

A celebration of her life with be held at Porter Funeral Home, Lenexa, KS at 11:00 am, Tuesday, September 10. Paula’s cousin, Pastor Emeritus Jeff Lunn will be presiding. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation, in honor of her husband, to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.