Paula Patrice Stoll was taken too early from her beautiful life on June 13th, 2022.
She was 65.
Paula was born in Missoula on May 2, 1957, to Thomas Eugene and Larie Murphy Stoll. She was the third of their six children. The family moved to Helena shortly after Paula arrived.
Her early years were spent in the lively, constant company of her large family. Summers were spent in the family cabin on Canyon Ferry Lake with her siblings, her many friends, and a rowdy group of cousins.
She attended Bryant School and graduated from Helena High in 1975. After traveling, living, and working in Spokane, she settled back into Helena life in the late 70s, where she began her career in labor relations.
Paula married Richard Meeker in 1980 and together they made the absolute joy of her life ~ Lauren Elizabeth Meeker ~ who was born on September 26th, 1982. Lauren gave her two amazing grandchildren, Andie and Jessie Spatzieraith who made life more sweet and funny than ever.
Paula also loved Richard’s daughter, Enid Levangie, her husband Pete, and their three children, Madeline, Katherine, and Pete. Though Paula and Richard eventually divorced, the bonds of all remain strong.
Her keen intellect, grace under pressure, and negotiating skills made her a great fit for her numerous roles in labor negotiation and personnel management. She worked her way up in state government, finally retiring in 2013 as the Administrator of Montana’s Human Resources Division.
Beyond her undeniable talent and skill in her career life, Paula was also a number of things: a voracious reader, a gifted writer, a talented artist, and a lover of many dogs. Paula’s life adventures include multiple trips to Europe, hiking and climbing the many mountains of the northwest – a favorite was climbing Mt. Shasta with her cousin Jim. She also mastered the art of kickboxing and yoga.
In recent years she enjoyed winning awards at Helena’s annual Chalk Up with her daughter, sister, and grand-daughters, and writing two amazing anthology collections of her family with sister, Karen Nelson. The books are treasured by family.
She and Kevin Keeler became friends and companions in 2007, and he helped her in numerous ways until her death.
Paula had a great friend network and would want the many kind, selfless efforts of her dear friend Theresa Artz to be acknowledged. She also loved lifelong friends Jim and Michelle O’Donnell and Becky Peterson Reidy.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas Eugene Stoll and Larie Murphy Stoll, and her brother, Thomas Eugene Stoll, Jr.
Paula is survived by her daughter, Lauren Meeker, her grandchildren, Andie and Jessie Spatzierath, Bonus Daughter, Enid Levangie (Pete) and their children, Madeline, Katherine, and Pete Jr., as well as her sisters Linda Stoll, Kathy Blakesley, Karen Nelson (Jim Gilman), and Leslie Stoll O’Neill (William III), plus numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
In lieu of flowers, her family suggests donations to the American Cancer Society, any organization that helps Indigenous people preserve their heritage and language, and any organization that helps homeless animals.
Paula’s amazing wit and all the many things she was will be missed by many.
A service will be held at 1 PM on Monday, June 20th, at Retz Funeral Home, with a reception to follow.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Monday June 20, 2022
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Avenue
Helena, MT 59601
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Monday June 20, 2022
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Avenue
Helena, 59601 59601
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Darlene Gallagher says
Lauren and family, my thoughts are with all of you. Paula was such a great person.
Joe Williams says
Terribly sorry to learn of Paula’s passing. She and I shared many a laugh over coffee back in the day. She was a great labor negotiator and always sought a fair deal for all parties. Nothing but smiles for an old friend today. May the many warm memories of Paula offer comfort in the difficult days ahead, and may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Lisa Larsen and Ray Flaherty says
Paula was fun to have as a neighbor up on Jefferson/Howie streets. Ray enjoyed playing bridge with her and other friends. May the earth rest lightly on her, and may she rest in peace.
Vicki Bartel says
My condolences to Paula’s family and her best friends Teresa, Becky, Jim & Michelle. I pray for a peace during this time and as you move forward without her physical presence. May those precious memories you made together get you through this time and the moments in the future where a song, a picture, a thought, brings her back. My friendship with Paula was brief (Jr High) and it so much fun. God Bless.
Vicki (DeYoung) Bartel
Vicki Bartel says
My condolences to Paula’s family and her best friends Teresa, Becky, Jim & Michelle. I pray for a peace during this time and as you move forward without her physical presence. May those precious memories you made together get you through this time and the moments in the future where a song, a picture, a thought, brings her back. My friendship with Paula was brief (Jr High) and it was so much fun. God Bless.
Vicki (DeYoung) Bartel
Virginia Hawe says
I have so many fun memories of you and all the crazy Stoll cousins. I have a picture of us playing in the snow in Helena when we were very young, memories of the reunions with all the cousins at Canyon Ferry Lake. You are always smiling. You will be missed by so many. Rest in peace, cousin.
Vonnie Jenkins says
Lauren & family. I’m so sorry for yours loss. I loved your mom’s gleaming smile and she was so friendly. She will truly be missed. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Christy Reiss says
Lauren, I feel so blessed to have known your mother, she had such a beautiful smile and a warm and generous heart.
Many prayers for you and your family.
Don Murphy says
My dear cousins, my heart is broken. I know that we don’t stay in touch as we have grown older, but I have great memories of you all when we were younger. My prayers are with you all that God will grant you peace as you go through this. Call me, I’m here. 227-3349. Love you.
Charlene and Peter Levangie says
Lauren and Enid,
We met your mother only twice, once in Montana, when our son first met Enid and once in Boston when she came to dinner at our house. Paula was a lovely person and knowing your mother is at peace, we hope brings you great comfort. Enid married our son, Peter, and always kept us abreast of everything happening in Montana. Our sincere sympathy to you both and your children.
Fondly, Charlene and Peter Levangie
Meg Beveridge says
My dear Stoll sisters, I have a heavy heart for you. And Lauren, I am so very sorry. One of my favorite memories of Paula is the one Thanksgiving at her beautiful house in Clancy. There was a lot of laughing going on in the kitchen (and I mean a LOT!) with Paula, Karen, and Leslie. She lives on in all of you.
Greg Bovee says
Lauren , sorry for your loss , keeping you and the girls in our thoughts and prayers. Greg and Marsha Bovee
old friend says
What can I say…I know the wonderful place you are now, is full of souls glad to see you arrive. Love you much,JAP
John Ilgenfritz says
Lauren, family and friends of Paula,
Sheena and I offer our condolences on Paula’s passing. It’s been several years since I’ve seen Paula, but I remember fondly her smile, wit and strength.
Mike & Margaret Foster says
I remember Paula when she was a very little girl. her dad was my Chief Petty Officer in 1965. After I returned from Vietnam in 1969 Paula’s dad Tom was still my boss. Life is very short and much smaller than we think! My future wife’s brother grew up with Paula, and they were “Best Friends”! Fast forward “many” years. Our neighbors who we called “The Children” moved away and yes, Paula was their next door “Neighbor”! For all of you, much younger than us, the “World” is much smaller than you think! Love one another as “Life” is very short! I was very young when I first heard Peter, Paul & Mary “All My Trials”. We all have trials, if you have never heard it listen! Paula had her trials, but they are over! Love to all who loved “Paula”!
KAREN R. MULCAHY ARNETT says
Dear Family and Friends of Paula…
I was very saddened to hear of Paula’s passing. I graduated with Paula from Helena High School Class of 1975. The memory I have of Paula makes me think of her joyful, creative, and bubbly personality in art class. I have no doubt she is creating bigger and more beautiful things in the heavens and beyond. Peace and love to you Paula, and Healing to all who love you.
Be eternally blessed, Karen R. Mulcahy
Tim McKeever says
My thoughts go out to the Stoll family members during this difficult time.
Kathy McGowan says
So enjoyed working with Paula when I was in the Governor’s Office. Enjoyed her wit and directness. We could use a little more of that in this world.
Trudi Mathews says
Lauren, I’m so sorry I wasn’t able to make it to the funeral. I know your Mom loved you dearly and was so proud of you and your daughters. She was a great friend and travel companion. (I will never forget our European adventures in 1979.) I loved getting together with her when I was in Helena and I remember when you and she came to see me in Colorado. I hope your memories of her help you through this difficult time.
Jacqui Mersey says
Dear Lauren, you don’t know me, I’m Jacqui from Scotland and played your mum at Words With Friends and we used to chat on there. I’ve been worried about her as she hasn’t been on for a while so I feared the worst as I knew she was sick. I had a nose online and found this page and knew straight away it was your mum because of your name and Theresa’s. I’m so terribly sorry for your loss. Your mum spoke of you and your girls with such pride and love. I’m so glad that even though we never met, we connected through our love of Scrabble (which she was fabulous at incidentally). Just wanted to let you know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all, all the way from Scotland x