Paula Vance, 82, of Nashville, IN, formerly of Aledo and Moline, passed away Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at Brown County Health and Living in Nashville. In celebration of Paula’s life, a graveside remembrance service will be held at the Aledo Cemetery at 1 p.m., Friday, January 16. Family and friends are invited to join together as we honor Paula’s memory, share stories of her life, and celebrate the joy she brought into our lives. We invite all who knew and loved Paula to join us in this moment of remembrance and to carry her spirit forward in the many ways she touched so many lives. Paula’s light will continue to shine brightly through our cherished memories and acts of kindness in her honor. Nichols Bewley Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Aledo, is caring for Paula’s family and arrangements.
Paula Jane Vance was born July 26, 1943, in Aledo, IL, the daughter of Paul and Lois Rausch Vance. Paula was a graduate of Illinois State University. She was a teacher of Home Economics and Art. She devoted many years to teaching in Western Illinois and Eastern Iowa, impacting countless lives with her passion for learning and her compassionate spirit. Her commitment to education was not just a job for her; it was a calling that inspired her students to strive for excellence and believe in their potential. Many of her students went on to earn awards in art and photography.
Paula was the mother of two daughters and was a strong Christian woman. Her faith was her core of life that gave her such a giving heart. Paula loved traveling the world, dancing, and art – both seeing and doing. Paula won many awards for her local art exhibits. She loved Johnny Cash and Irish music. She especially enjoyed making people laugh. Her favorite inspiration was “and gladly would she learn and gladly teach” – Chaucer.
Those left to honor her memory include her daughter, Heather (Matt) Powell of Morgantown, IN; her brother, James (Diana) Vance of Aledo; and daughter and granddaughter.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
A special thank you for the love she received from Brown County Health and Living, especially from her loving caring helpers Bev, Jodi, and Tony amongst many, many, many others.