Paula Stubblebine

Paula Stubblebine, 85 of Olathe, Kansas, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Paula was born on May 28, 1940, in Grand Island, Nebraska, to Paul and Ruth Petersen. She spent her childhood in Nebraska before moving with her family to Leawood, Kansas. While attending St. Teresa’s Academy, she met Dick Stubblebine, beginning a shared life together that would span more than 66 years.

Together, Paula and Dick shared many adventures traveling across the country and creating homes and lasting friendships wherever Dick’s career took them. Through every move and season of life, family remained at the center of the home they built together.

Paula devoted her life to caring for others. She was a wonderful wife and mother who was always present for her children — serving as a Girl Scout leader, participating in PTA activities, volunteering at her granddaughter’s school, and supporting her family in countless quiet ways throughout the years.

One of Paula’s greatest acts of love was opening her home and heart to foster babies. Over the years, she lovingly cared for more than 25 infants, providing comfort, safety, and nurturing during important moments in their young lives.

Paula was known for her dry wit, steady presence, and sharp puzzler’s mind. She enjoyed daily crossword puzzles and jigsaw puzzles and continued working on them right up to the end.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Peggy Berringer; and her beloved grandson, Dustin Manes.

Paula is survived by her loving husband, Dick Stubblebine, of the home; her brother, John Petersen (Terry) of Leawood, Kansas; her brother-in-law Bud Stubblebine (Penny) of Aurora, Ohio; and her four daughters: Terry Manes (Dino) of Olathe, Kansas, Lisa Stubblebine of Olathe, Kansas, Mary Hull (Jon) of Olathe, Kansas, and Jill Stubblebine.

She also leaves behind six cherished grandchildren: Britney Johnson (Jason) of Osage City, Kansas; Derrick Manes (Nicole) of Shawnee, Kansas; Wesley Manes of Olathe, Kansas; Josh Hull (Jamie) of Shawnee, Kansas; Noah Hull (Alycia) of Raytown, Missouri; and Delilah Brown (Lane) of North Kansas City, Missouri. Paula was also blessed with seven great-grandchildren.  She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 2:00pm - 4:00pm on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home in Olathe, Kansas.

A private burial ceremony at Leavenworth National Cemetery will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association or Hospice House of Olathe, Kansas.