Paula Marie Chew

Paula Marie Chew, 79, passed away surrounded by her family, just shy of her 80th birthday. She was born on December 18, 1945, in Perry, Iowa, to Olive and Paul Lane.

On August 12, 1972, Paula married John S. Chew and together they built a life welcoming three children: Joanna, John, and Justin. They raised their family on a farm near Perry before moving to Indianola in 1985, a community Paula would over the years pour her heart into.

In 1987, Paula earned her real estate license-and the industry was never quite the same. She built a distinguished, decades-long career defined by excellence, honesty, and genuine care for her clients. Paula retired in 2022, leaving behind a legacy of professionalism and countless lives touched by her guidance and expertise.

Paula was an active and cherished member of the Indianola community. In her final three years, she dedicated herself to serving the Indianola Chamber, bringing her trademark energy, pizazz, and commitment to every project. She was deeply rooted in this community, and the outpouring of love during her short battle was a profound comfort to her and her family.

Paula joins her husband of 44 years, John; her parents; and her stepfather and many other friends and family in heaven. She is survived by her daughter, Joanna (Matt) Carson; her sons, John Chew and Justin (Maisy) Chew; her grandsons, Zachary, Jacob, Cole, Guy, Brody, and her granddaughter Livvy; brother Charles (Debbie) Lane; sisters in law Julie (Joe) Blaker, Jennifer (Jeff) Wilson, Karen Buchholz, and brothers in law David (Kay) Buchholz and Jeff (Sheryl) Chew.

Paula was a spunky spirit. There were no quick conversations, she could chitchat with the best of them. She cherished being a grandmother and was one of her grandkids' biggest fans. Her lively presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

A Time of Remembrance will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, December 20, 2025 in the Fireside Bistro of First Assembly of God Church. Following the Remembrance Service, please join the family for an "Open House" Gathering from 2:30 to 5 p.m. In lieu of flowers or memorial contributions, the family asks that you honor Paula's spirit by sending someone a letter or making a phone call-tell them you care, tell them what they meant to you, remind them of a memory you shared or simply say hello. These letters, visits and calls the past several weeks meant so much and there is no better tribute to her memory than to pay it forward.

Leave everyone a little better than you found them. Forgive, even when it's hard. Love, even when it feels impossible. Because in the end, the only thing that truly matters are the memories we share and the love we leave behind.