Paula Elaine Dailey, 98, of Goshen, went Home to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Thursday, December 18, 2025.

Paula was born on June 7, 1927 in South Bend, IN to the late, Paul A. and Nancy "Ellen" (Lovell) Troutwine. She married Walter "Doc" S. Dailey in Laporte, IN in November of 1972. Doc passed away on May 30, 1981.

She is preceded in death by her son, Steven Smale and stepson, Larry South.

Paula is survived by her children, Frederick Smale of Ft. Collins, CO, Timothy (Darlyn) Smale of Elkhart, IN, Gregory Smale (Rita) of Citra, FL; Shelley (Frank) McCarthy; stepdaughter, Connie Kujawa of Vandalia, MI; grandchildren, Scott & Adam Smale, Kelley & Ian McCarthy, Joseph Smale, Shannon Takas, Callie Genser, Tanner Smale, Rob Kujawa, Megan &Lowell South, Jeannie & Mike Daily; many great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.

Paula was a faithful member of Willowdale Church of Christ in Elkhart, where her church family became like family to her. She earned a bachelor's degree in Health Sciences from Western Michigan University and served as a registered nurse in obstetrics for nearly 40 years. During her career, she developed expectant parenting and maternal education classes and later retired as a faculty nurse and manager at Southwestern Michigan College School of Nursing.

Paula was active in numerous professional nursing organizations, including the Perinatal Association of Michigan, the National League of Nursing, and several state and regional nursing associations.

She lived in Eagle Lake in Edwardsburg, Michigan, Ocala, Florida, and later returned to Elkhart. She resided with Peggy and Don Caudill in Goshen since 2015 as they cared for "momma". Paula enjoyed visiting with friends, spending holidays with family and grandchildren, and pursuing hobbies such as knitting, baking, traveling, and crossword puzzles. She loved the Lord, her family, her church, and all those entrusted to her care as their nurse.

A Funeral Service for Paula will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, December 27, 2025 at Willowdale Church of Christ, 1400 Willowdale Ave, Elkhart, Indiana 46514 with Pastor Jared McLeod officiating. A nurses honor guard will be involved as part of the funeral service.

Visitation will be prior to the start of the service from 9:30 am to 11:00 am at the church.

A Private burial will be at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles, Mi.

Memorial Contributions may be directed to Willowdale Church of Christ, 1400 Willowdale Ave., Elkhart, IN 46514 or Beacon Children's Hospital Newborn Intensive Care Unit, 615 N. Michigan Street, South Bend, IN 46601.

Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, IN 46514 is assisting the family.

For those that wish to send a condolence, share a memory or order flowers may do so at www.billingsfuneralhome.com.