Paula Maize

Paula Janice Maize, of Monett, Missouri, departed this life on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at Cox South Hospital in Springfield, Missouri at the age of 66.

She was born in Osceola, Missouri, on March 12, 1958 to Paul Evert and Janice Mae (Salchow) Coltharp.  Paula was a PK (Preacher’s Kid), and lived in six different small towns in her earliest years.  

She graduated from Skyline High School in Dallas County, Missouri, in 1976.  Paula enrolled in Burge School of Nursing and graduated in 1979.  She passed the board exam and became an RN.  

Paula worked most of her career for Cox Health System.  While working and rearing a family, she earned her Bachelor’s Degree and then her Master’s Degree, and then she passed the board exam to become a Nurse Practitioner.  She was on the staff at Family Medical Care Center in Springfield, Missouri, for many years, and then her health began to decline and she was forced into early retirement on permanent disability.

Paula worked as a nurse at the Federal Medical Center for several years.  It was there that she met Gayland Maize, who was a correctional officer.  They fell in love and married on April 26, 1986.  They were married 36 years before Gayland passed away on September 29, 2022.

She was preceded in death by an infant son, Kevin Michael Maize; and her husband, Gayland Maize. 

Survivors include her parents, Paul and Janice Coltharp; five younger siblings: Brenda Randles, Duane (Donna) Coltharp, Amy Coltharp, Jaye (Courtney) Owens, and Joel (Allison) Coltharp; five children: Roshelle Maize and partner, Chris, of Springfield, Missour: Jason Maize and wife, Shanna, of Granby, Missouri; Chris Maize and wife, Lindsay, of Bella Vista, Arkansas; Darrin Maize and wife, Jennifer, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri; and Dianna Barnett and husband, Andy, of Miller, Missouri; 13 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Graveside services were held at 10 a.m. on Friday, November 8, 2024, at Pennsboro Cemetery.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Springfield.  

Online condolences may be shared at www.greenfieldfuneralchapel.com.  

Services were under the care of Greenfield Funeral Chapel.