Paulette June (Leach) Bridges (1945-2021)

ALBERS, BRIDGES, CHRISTENSEN, CRANE, LEACH, MEINEKE, OLSEN

Posted By: Eileen Reed
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:06:54

Ewing Funeral Home
Clarion, Iowa
Monday, March 1, 2021

Paulette June (Leach) Bridges celebrated her birthday on March 2, 1945. Paulette entered into Heaven on February 28, 2021. She grew up in Dows with her parents Robert and Alice Leach and graduated from Dows High in 1963.

Her love of animals, especially horses, and being a city girl, her mom told her she would need to marry a farmer, and that she did. On June 2, 1963, she was united in marriage to Robert (Bob) Bridges at the United Methodist Church in Dows. They were blessed with their children Michelle Faye and Michael Scott. Oh what fun they had! Raising horses, hogs, and calves along with a couple of German Shepherds and cats. Paulette loved farm life. They were very involved with the kids’ activities.

In 1975, she and Bob bought their dream acreage where she was living at the time of her death. On November 15, 1978 sadness struck when Bob passed away in a farm accident. Paulette and the kids continued raising their hogs and calves for 4-H, and also she continued to be involved in her children’s school activities, 4-H activities, and Franklin County Committees. She taught Junior High Sunday School, Bible School, and was the leader of the UMYF at the Dows Methodist Church for 25 years. In 1986, she and the kids became members of the Morgan Methodist Church where she taught Junior High Sunday School for five years, served on various boards, was part of the Morgan Study Club, and was a certified lay speaker. She also mowed the Morgan Cemetery and enjoyed her time with the Red Hat Ladies, as well as Franklin County 4-H Extension and Youth Committees, the Franklin County Planning and Zoning Committee, and the Dows Library Board.

Paulette started working at Winnebago Industries in 1986. After 19 years, she was ready to stay home. She exchanged vows with Tom Crane on the front yard of the farm in 1995.

Paulette is survived by her children Michelle (Bob) and Michael (Angie); her granddaughter Payton; her grandson Brady; Tom; her siblings Carolyn (Roddy) and Dennis (Shari); sisters-in-law Janice Olsen and Char Albers; brother-in-law Harold Bridges; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death and waiting with open arms are her first husband Bob, her parents Robert and Alice, her mother-in-law Alice Bridges, her grandparents, and brother-in-law Steve Meineke; Paul Christensen.

It all started with a dish of ice cream. It became a habit, if possible, Paulette had her dessert first. That way, she could enjoy it to the fullest.

“Well friends, it’s time to say goodbye. I’m off to get the best ice cream in heaven.”

Funeral services for Paulette Bridges will be held Saturday, March 6, 2021 at 1:30 PM at Morgan Bradford United Methodist Church, 569 100th Street in Dows with Pastor Judy Eilders and Chaplain Anjeanette Perkins officiating. Burial will take place at Morgan Township Cemetery.

Visitation will be held Friday, March 5, 2021 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Morgan Bradford United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers memorials preferred to St. Croix Hospice or Morgan Township Cemetery Board.