It is with great sadness that we announce Paula Jean Strockbine (Stebens) passed away peacefully with family and friends by her side on March 23, 2025, in Grass Valley, CA. She was 67 years old. Paula was born on May 20, 1957, in Davenport, IA to George and Betty Stebens (Tutor). She had an extraordinary life. She traveled the United States trying to find where she was meant to be. She ended up in Mill Valley, CA where she met the love of her life and soulmate, Allen Strockbine. In 1982 Paula moved to Los Angeles to be with Allen where they lived for 20 years. All Paula ever wanted was to be a mom. They welcomed their daughter, Courtney, into the world in the hot summer heat in August 1996. In 2002 they decided to move from the bustling City of Angels to the quiet small town of Grass Valley where she lived her remaining years.

Paula had an innate love for the beauty of life, which showed in many different aspects. She was a talented painter, and she loved to express herself through the strokes of her paint brush. She found peace in the garden, where she let the warm sun kiss her skin. She donated her time at her daughter’s school teaching her classmates how to paint, organized fundraisers, and volunteered her time to the schools for many years. Paula ran a successful business until 2019. To her the business wasn’t just a business but about creating environments where her clients felt safe and organized. She went above and beyond her duty, the many friendships she created along the way showed that.

In 2021 Paula welcomed her granddaughter, Kennedy, into her life. Kennedy was the light in a dark tunnel. Because of Kennedy she took her diagnoses and decided it would not defeat her. Paula’s love for her family and friends came from pure unconditional love and was admirable.

Paula’s warm smile and radiant presence could make any room brighter. Her laughter was infectious and would lift anyone’s spirits. She could turn the most simple moments into the most treasured memories. She had a special way of making everyone feel important and loved. She would be a listening ear, gave words of encouragement, or just knew when someone needed a hug. Paula’s way to find the small pleasures in life and to not take life so seriously inspired everyone around her. Her legacy is one of compassion, beauty, love, and living life filled to the fullest.

Paula is survived by Allen (Husband), Courtney (Daughter), Kennedy (Granddaughter) from Grass Valley. Robin and Cindy (Sisters), Bill (Brother) from Davenport, IA. She is preceded in death by Betty (Mother), George (Father), Cathy (Sister), and James (Brother) from Davenport, IA

A Celebration of Life will take place at 2 p.m., Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at the Courtyard Suites in Grass Valley.

Arrangements were under the direction of Hooper & Weaver Mortuary.