Paula Jean Long, age 67, of Aldrich, Missouri, passed away on September 10, 2024, at her home. Paula was born to Jim Hilton and Patricia Sloan on February 27, 1957, in Springfield, Missouri. She was raised in Springfield and attended Central High School. Paula was united in marriage to Bobby Long on September 15, 1972. They shared 32 years of marriage together. The couple was blessed with two children, Wesley Dean Long and Kerry Lee Dollens.

Paula worked different jobs throughout her life ranging from custodial work to managing JRs western store. Paula was an extremely hard worker and was not afraid to get her hands dirty and get the job done. When not working, she had many interests and pastimes including her amazing sewing and quilt work. She loved to be out in her flower garden, and she also had a passion for horseback riding. Nothing, however, brought her more fulfillment than studying and teaching God’s word. Paula will be remembered as a caring, compassionate, and hardworking woman. She was often described by others as genuine and selfless. Paula always comforted others with God’s word and always knew what scripture to bring comfort to any situation. She enjoyed riding horses, especially her horse Cassie. Paula loved her grandchildren more than anything in the world and was always doting on them and showing pictures to whomever she could. She loved to set out on the porch and drink her coffee while talking for hours on the phone about everything happening in the world. Paula loved her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, siblings and all her family and friends. Paula had a smile that could light up a dark room and she could crack jokes and always make you laugh. The world will be a darker place without her light in it. Her faith was unmatched and now she is now with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and is no longer hurting and she will never feel sadness or pain again. She would say “don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine,” and now she is more than fine, she has found the peace and happiness for which she has always longed. This isn’t goodbye but “see you later.”

Paula was preceded in death by her father, Jim Hilton; mother, Patricia Sloan; sister, Jamie Murphy; great-grandson, Bo Long; nephew, Brandon Anhalt; nephew, Charlie Anhalt; and nephew, Cody Hitchcock. She is survived by her husband, Bob Long; son, Wes Long and his wife, Kelly; daughter, Kerry Dollens and her husband, Trey Dollens; grandchildren: Tyler Long and his wife Amanda Long, Jacob Long and his wife Ali Long, Tristan Long and his wife Sadie Fare, Gunner Dollens, Kaisley Dollens, and Asher Dollens; great-grandchildren: Rayna Long, Whitley Long, Riley Long, and Race Long; sisters: Myra Allen, Angie Hitchcock, and Karla Hitchcock; and brothers: Audie Hitchcock, Jimmy Hilton, and Michael Hilton.

A memorial visitation for Paula will be held on Friday, September 13, 2024, from 6:00-8:00 pm, at Greenlawn Funeral Home North in Springfield.

Arrangements are under the compassionate direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home North in Springfield, Missouri.