Paula Gaynell Knutson

Paula died May 17, 2015 at the Marias care Center in Shelby, Montana of natural causes.  Paula was born September 28, 1917 in Bowling Green, Ohio to Paul Brough Gregg and Constance Irleen (Riley) Gregg.

While Paula was still quite young the family moved south of Ferdig, Montana.  Paula attended grade school in Ferdig and graduated from high school in Oilmont, Montana.

Paula served in the Army/Air Force WACS from 1942 to 1943, receiving the WWII Victory Medal, Women’s Army Corps Service Medal, and Honorable Service Lapel Button.

Paula married Kenneth A. “Jack” Nordstrom in 1943 in Vancouver Junction, Washington.  She and Jack later owned and operated Jack’s Bar (Wheel Inn) in Devon, Montana.

After Jack’s sudden and untimely death, Paula married Ivin “Ike” Roland Knutson on June 28, 1958, moving to Ivin’s farm south of Devon near the Marias River.  They continued to run the Wheel Inn for a year before selling it.  They sold the farm in 1977, after Ike retired from farming, and moved to Cottonwood, Arizona.  However, they just couldn’t seem to stay away from Montana and so after 9 years moved back-first to Polson, then on to Florence, and finally to Missoula.  Paula moved back to Shelby in 1999, after Ike died of cancer.

Paula enjoyed crafts and needlework.  And she and Ike loved traveling around both Arizona and Montana exploring out of the way places.

Paula’s ancestry has been traced back to George Mercer, a Quaker and native of Scotland who settled in Lancaster Co. Pennsylvania prior to 1760.

Paula was preceded in death by her parents, husbands Jack and Ike, and two brothers Richard and Gene Gregg.

Paula is survived by her sister-in-law Lorene Knutson Johnson; nephews Terry (Evelyn) Gregg, Richard Gregg, Robert Gregg, Tom (Sue) Saldin, and Kevin (Lanell) Dodson; nieces Paula Gregg, Marie Ann (Loren) Toldness, JoAnne (Glen) Savage, Rev. Kriss Bottino, Michelle Gregg, Sherry Gregg, Linda Gregg, and Connie Gregg; along with many grand and great grand nieces and nephews.

As per Paula’s request, no memorial service will be held.  There will, however, be a family grave side service at a later date.

Memorials may be sent to the Devon Lutheran Church (c/o Kevin and Lanell Dodson, 29074 US Hwy. 2, Shelby, Mt 59474) or to a charity of your choice.