Paula Marie Risius

Paula Marie Risius, born on January 29, 1945, in Des Moines, Iowa, passed away on November 22, 2024 at MercyOne Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend, known for her dedication to her faith and her family.

Paula graduated from Stuart High School in1963 and later earned her bachelor's degree in elementary education from Northwest Missouri State in 1967. She taught in Manning for two years after graduation. While in Manning, she became engaged to Gary Risius, and they were married in 1969. In June, they celebrated 55 years of marriage. They resided in Illinois during Gary's time in the US Army before moving to Emmetsburg, Walcott, and ultimately settling in Earlham, Iowa, in 1978 to raise their family. They retired and moved to Waukee in 2011.

Paula was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ and actively engaged in numerous prayer groups and Bible studies throughout her adult life. She was known for her exceptional cooking and welcoming hospitality. Paula looked for reasons to give away her famous cinnamon rolls whether to welcome a new neighbor, pay back someone for a kindness shown to her, or to simply show love to someone who needed it. She loved collecting and sharing numerous recipes and hosting both friends and family to enjoy good food and fellowship.

Paula is survived by her loving husband Gary of Waukee; son David (Christy) Risius of Little Rock, AR; daughter Amy Risius of Waukee; grandchildren Allison Risius of Euless, TX and Nathan Risius of Little Rock, AR and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Gladys Walton, and her sister, Sandra Sue Laing.

Visitation will be held on November 25, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Ernst Funeral Home located at 80 NE Dartmoor Drive, Waukee, Iowa. A memorial service will take place on November 26, 2024, at The Mission Church, 12001 Ridgemont Drive, Urbandale, Iowa, beginning at 11:00 AM. Memorial donations may be directed to: Agape Pregnancy Center, 2550 Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway, Des Moines, IA 50310; www.agapedsm.com.

Her family would like to express their gratitude to the team at Mission Cancer + Blood for their exceptional care and support of Paula during the last 2 years.

Ernst Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Waukee has been entrusted with Paula's final arrangements.