Paula S. Mehring

Paula S. Mehring, a loving wife, mother and grandmother, passed away on September 22, 2021 at home, with her three children by her side. Paula was 75 years old, born on April 23, 1946, in Toledo, the daughter of the late Paul and Elsie (Kolasinski) Stone. She attended St. Catherine’s, Central Catholic High School and Bowling Green State University. Paula worked at The Lion Store in downtown Toledo, as a secretary for Owens-Illinois, but found her greatest joy as a homemaker. On April 19, 1969, Paula married the love of her life, Robert C. Mehring and created her proudest accomplishment, her family. She had a strong, motherly presence and was the rock of her beloved family, especially after Bob’s sudden passing in 2004. “Mimi” was always available to babysit and attended countless sporting events, dance recitals and school events of her grandchildren's. Paula was a loyal friend and lived her life with such integrity. Being herself to all who knew her; compassionate, fun, involved and always available for friendship and conversation. And Paula's love of a good kitchen dance party was known by many. Her love of music and dancing, especially kitchen dance parties, is shared by her kids and grandkids. She loved to talk sports and was a fixture at University of Michigan football games for many years with her husband, Bob. She was also very active within her community. Paula served as the president of the Ottawa Hills Boosters Club and enjoyed going to Arnie’s after the meetings with the other board members. She was a former trustee of the D.O.V.E. Fund, which provided clean water treatment facilities and money to build schools and medical clinics in many of Vietnam’s poorest rural villages. Paula treasured the memories of her trips to Vietnam with Bob, who was a Vietnam Veteran, and other D.O.V.E. Fund Trustees, where they witnessed their works firsthand and visited the Vietnamese countryside. Paula was also a presence in the Junior League, Ottawa Hills PTA and a member of P.E.O.. Paula picked up golf later in life, something her husband was always so proud of. They enjoyed golfing together and she loved playing in the 18 Holers at Inverness Club. She was also an avid gardener, a hobby that grew when she planted a small memorial garden for her beloved mother after her passing. She developed quite the green thumb and friends and neighbors eagerly anticipated the planting of her impatiens every spring. Paula was a member of Gesu Parish and her devout faith granted her peace and comfort throughout her life. Left to cherish her memory her children, Allison (Cory) Fischer of Chagrin Falls, OH, Taylor (Blake) Beusse of East Grand Rapids, MI and Dale Mehring of Toledo, OH; grandchildren Lucy, Bobby, Matilda, Peter Fischer, Billy, Betsy, Mikey Beusse, and Juliette and Elise Mehring. She is also survived by her brother, Doug (Michelle) Stone and cousin, Stacey (Anthony) Layzell. Paula was preceded in death by her husband on June 10, 2004. A memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, September 30, 2021, at Gesu Catholic Church, 2049 Parkside Drive, Toledo, with a time to gather and visit to follow. Committal will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Catholic Charities Diocese of Toledo. Please consider donating specifically towards HOPE Food Pantry or Helping Hands of St. Louis, both of which provide meals for those in need in Northwest and West Central Ohio. Also, Miriam House, that provides a night of safe shelter, meals and loving support for a mother and her children.