Paula J. Michael

Paula Jean Michael, age 88, passed away on Sunday, March 15, 2026. She was born on April 16, 1937, to Paul Gene and Pearl Maple Davis.

Paula met the love of her life, Galen Michael, at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis where they both worked. They fell in love and married in 1957. They had two children: Gayla in 1958 and Louis in 1960.

Paula worked for the government for 25 years and then as a nanny for several years. She also enjoyed cleaning people’s homes. Alongside their everyday jobs, Galen and Paula were involved in Christian ministry throughout their lives. While their children were young, they ran Children’s Church and taught Sunday School for children and adults. As their children grew up, they became very involved in Youth for Christ. Paula and Galen were a musical team, with her playing the piano and Galen singing. Their love for God and people was unstoppable. Their service to the Lord was a testament as to what was most important to them. Their prayer was that their faith in Christ would be passed to many generations following them.

Paula will be remembered for her sweet uplifting spirit, her patient non-judgmental listening skills and her gift of gab and storytelling. She loved decorating her home and always had classical music playing in the background. For most of her life, Paula had a medical condition called Dystonia, which caused muscle dysfunction. Living with a chronic illness gave her an understanding of the fragility of life and created great empathy for others. She made everyone feel loved and special.

Paula is joining her husband Galen, her parents and some of her wonderful friends in Heaven to be with Jesus.

Paula is survived by her brother Rev. James Davis, his wife Karen and nephews Aaron and Artie and their children; Son, Louis Michael and his wife Pam, grandchildren: Max, Rachel and Kendall and step grandchildren Derek and Joel. Her daughter Gayla Hissong and her husband Jim, grandchildren: Michael Dowling (Jamie), Rachael Hissong (Danny), Daniel Dowling (Chelsea) and Crystal St. John(Austin). Great Grandchildren: Fenton, Ava, Everett, Sylvia and Cypress. Step Grandchildren: Matt Hissong (Jessica), Mark Hissong (Keri), Rob Hissong (Jessica) and Danny Hissong (Rachael). Step Great Grandchildren: Christian, Cainen, Caelia, Courtlin, Clayton, Cruz, Adam, Jacob, Jimmy, Ben, Nolan and Hank. The Dr. David Dowling family from Gayla’s late husband who passed in 2004. Special remembrance for Monica Menser who with great fondness calls Paula “Nanny Paula”.

tion will be held at 10:30 with the funeral service following at 11:30 on Monday, March 23rd at Lenexa Baptist Church. 15320 W. 87th St. Pkwy. Lenexa, KS 66219. Burial will be held at the Green Lawn Cemetery. 8251 Hillcrest Rd. Kansas City, MO 64138