Paula Jean Orr

Paula Jean Orr of O’Fallon, MO, passed away on May 8^th, 2024 with loved ones by her side.

Paula was born on January 4, 1945, to Paul and Jean Marten in Cresco, IA.  Paula graduated from Crestwood High School.  After starting her family, Paula returned to her love of learning and attended Illinois State University where she completed her Bachelor of Science in Microbiology. Paula had a long career working and teaching in her field of study at many hospitals and organizations. Continuing with her commitment to lifetime learning, Paula completed her MBA at Webster University.

Paula had a zest for life. She loved the outdoors, sports, animals, and most of all sharing all these things with her family and friends. Over the years you may have seen Paula on the tennis courts, on the ski slopes, sailing her boat, riding her horse (Bubba), on the golf course or hiking with her dogs. Her proudest accomplishment was being Mom to her son, Bobby, and daughter, Julie. If you lived in the St. Charles area you definitely saw the “Three Musketeers” at some type of activity. Then her children gave her the new loves of her life, Cody, Logan, Lexi and Lauren. She loved being Grandma and spending as much time as she could with them. Her favorite title, though, was Gigi. She had the privilege of being Gigi to her three great-grandchildren in the last few years of her life.

Paula is survived by her daughter, Julie Dunavant, daughter-in-law, Tanya Orr, Grandchildren – Cody Orr and wife Molly, Logan Gaddy, Lexi Gaddy, Lauren Orr Padilla and husband Rob, Great-Grandchildren – Colton and Baker Orr Padilla; and Phoebe Orr. Her brother, Greg Marten (Diane).

Paula has been reunited in heaven with her son, Robert Orr, son-in-law, John Dunavant, and her parents.

In Lieu of flowers donations may be directed to Cruisin Towards a Cure, raising awareness and funding for Lung Cancer.