Paulette Gage

Neva "Paulette" Gage, 72, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2017, at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau.

Paulette was born Nov. 21, 1944, to Maudaline Randolph Cook and Paul William Cook of Cape Girardeau.

Paulette was a Class of 1962 graduate of Cape Girardeau Central High School and went on to obtain her cosmetology license, which she used for many years. She also blessed many places with her beautiful smile, compassion and hard work ethic, including in-home day care while her girls were young; Thriftway Supermarket; and the Unterrified Democrat newspaper and Broman Chiropractic of Linn, Missouri. After relocating to Cape Girardeau, she worked and then retired from Southeast Hospital.

Paulette was proud of her three girls and her grandsons.

She was a very gifted artist in many media, including clay and painting, as well as being a talented seamstress. Paulette could see and find beauty in wildlife, with a special appreciation for owls.

Paulette is survived by her mother, Maudeline Cook; sister, Carolyn Watkins (John) of Sedgewickville, Missouri; three daughters, Cynthia (Lee) Turpin of Belton, Missouri, Valerie Martin of Holts Summit, Missouri, and Rebecca (Jason) House of the home; her three grandsons, Ridge Martin, Tyler Martin and Joshua House; as well as cousins, nieces and nephews.

There will be a celebration of Paulette's life on Oct. 14 for family and friends. There is an online memorial site that welcomes stories and memories. Please contact the family for details.

In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested two organizations for memorial donations: Watkins Wildlife Rehab, HC 62 Box 17, Sedgewickville, MO 63781 (founded and maintained by her sister and brother-in-law) or St. Vincent de Paul School, 1919 Ritter Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701 (where her youngest grandson, Joshua, attends).