Paula M. Polito

Paula Marie Polito, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 19th, 2026, surrounded by family at Camden Clark Memorial Hospital. Born on May 24th, 1947, in Huntington, West Virginia, Paula was the wife of James Polito; they shared 58 wonderful years of marriage together. She was a devoted mother to her two daughters, Nicole Nelson (Eric) and Elizabeth May (Bob), and a proud grandmother to her five grandchildren: Meghan and Jaimee Nelson, and Caroline, Jules, and Adam May.

Paula was preceded in death by her parents, Ivan Paul Gates and Mildred Marie Gates. She graduated from South Charleston High School in the class of 1965 and went on to attend Marshall University, where she studied psychology.

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A woman of deep faith, Paula was very involved in her church, where she taught Sunday school for many years, and directed the annual Christmas play. She was also an avid gardener, a talented amateur photographer, and loved antiquing, home decorating, and crafts. But she was most passionate about spending time with her family, especially her grandkids. Whether she was cheering them on at a sporting event, dance recital or competition, baking with them on the family farm, or exploring the woods and sharing her love of nature, she was always her family’s biggest advocate and most devoted fan.

Funeral services will be held at Lighthouse Baptist Church in Vincent, Ohio, on Friday, April 24th, 2026, at 11 a.m., with Pastor Edward Long officiating. Following the service, Paula will be laid to rest in the Polito Family Cemetery on their farm, a place she loved dearly.

Friends and family are invited to pay their respects during visitation at Cawley & Peoples Funeral Home in Barlow, Ohio, on Thursday, April 23rd, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Cawley & Peoples Funeral Home is honored to serve Paula's family during this difficult time. They offer online condolences and many other resources on their website, or through their Facebook page.