Paula M. Leppanen

Paula M. Leppanen, 58, of Sullivan, Missouri, passed away at her home on Monday, February 21, 2022. 

Paula Marlene Lappanen was born July 23, 1963 in Sullivan, Missouri to Ross and Frances (Squires) Brown. She grew up and attended school in Spring Bluff, then later graduated in the Sullivan High School class of 1981. After high school, Paula went to East Central College, studying secretarial business courses. While attending classes at ECC, Paula was employed at the Sullivan Community Hospital. 

While still in high school, Paula met the love of her life, Bill Leppanen. Several years later, they were united in marriage on March 23, 1985. Paula then went to work at R&R in Saint Clair for a short period of time before returning to work for Missouri Baptist Hospital & the Spring Bluff School District. Bill and Paula were soon blessed with their one and only child, Paige. Paula remained a stay-at-home mom through Paige’s childhood. She later returned to work for Missouri Baptist Hospital then moved on to Mercy Urgent Care in Washington, where she remained employed until its closure in 2020.

Paula loved spending time outdoors, fishing, & gardening. She enjoyed playing games (pinochle with family being a favorite), crafting, reading and trying new recipes. Her Sloppy Joes and cornbread dressing were the best. She also loved dogs, watching wildlife in her backyard, and playing with her daughter’s cat, Mikko.

She had a strong faith, and was a selfless, devoted, compassionate, and caring wife, daughter, and mother. Paula truly made their house a home. She will be so dearly missed by many. 

Paula is survived by her husband, Bill Leppanen, of Sullivan, MO; a daughter, Paige Leppanen of Sullivan, MO; her mother, Frances Brown of Sullivan, MO; two sisters, Darla Dunne and husband Rick of Gerald, MO and Carla Simmerly of Sullivan, MO; a brother Dwayne Brown and wife Suzette of Cuba, MO; two nephews, Kyle and Brandon; two nieces, Amber and Kristina; other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Ross Brown; a niece, Laura Simmerly; her father and mother-in-law, Carl & Lillian Leppanen; and a sister-in-law, Sylvia Johnson; and a brother-in-law, Jan Jansen.

Funeral Services will be 12 p.m., Tuesday, March 1, 2022 at the Eaton Funeral Home with Pastor McCarty officiating. Interment will follow at Champion City Cemetery. 

Visitation will be 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., Tuesday, March 1, 2022 at the Eaton Funeral Home. 

Friends may send their online condolences to Paula’s family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Franklin County Humane Society. 

All arrangements are under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan.