Paul R. Stilley

Born February 23, 1923 to Walter & Lelah Stilley in Howell Township, Johnson County Arkansas. Paul's father grew strawberries, watermelons and milked a few cows on a hundred acre farm along the Arkansas River. Not interested in farm labor as a way of life, Paul hopped a freight headed for bigger things in California. Bigger things turned out to be foundry work, milk delivery, dry cleaners and house painter in the greater Los Angles area. Not dream jobs but better than picking strawberries. WWII found him on a troop ship headed for the European Theater of operations with the 526th Armored Infantry Battalion and the Battle of the Bulge where he earned a bronze star. After the war he attended the University of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff. Upon graduation moved to Chicago to attend North Western University Dental School. He enlisted in the US Army to serve in the Medical Corps as a Lieutenant during the Korean war. Stationed at Camp Roberts near Paso Robles, California for the duration of the war. Acting on a tip from a fellow officer about Chico being a nice town decided to set up a dental practice there. Moved to Chico in '53 with wife Ruby and two children, Suzanne and Charlie. He spent the next 40 years working to ease the pain and suffering or those with dental problems. Myself included. He told me a number of years ago there was never a day he didn't look forward to going to the office. He loved the work and those he was able to help. In the mid '60's Paul hired a woman named Marie to work in his practice. Friendship blossomed into a love affair and they were married in 1979. Settled in Butte Creek Canyon. Together they created a wonderful life; collecting antiques and enjoying the company of friends and family. Extensive travelers they covered much of the world. While visiting family in Arkansas Marie was taught the secret to making one of Paul's favorite meals; biscuits and gravy, and that recipe remains treasured in the family cookbook. Paul also had a love of cars. He drove a Datsun Z car for many years. He also taught his grandchildren how to drive in that car on the back roads between Butte City and Chico. His granddaughter Laura recalls a night of driving with Paul then upon returning home before Marie arrived, teaching her to play poker while drinking Kalua and milk. In September of 2004 Marie suffered a massive stroke and their life changed forever. Marie being confined to a bed in a hospital, Paul decided that his purpose was to remain by her side. He would arrive at Marie's bedside at 7:00 a.m. every day to take care of her, take her for walks in a wheelchair, hold her hand and just be together. In October 2010 Marie and Paul were able to spend two months living together in Rancho Murieta. Paul was at her side when she left this world on December 25, 2010, and when she left, his heart remained with her. Upon Marie's death Paul returned to Chico living at Sycamore Glen. He remained active. While visiting with me he often talked of how much he missed and loved Marie wishing he could be with her. Paul and Marie were reunited on Monday, September 19, 2016 in Heaven where I am sure they are catching up on the last six years. Paul was preceded in death by his wife Marie and daughter Suzanne. Survived by daughter Lynette and son Charlie, granddaughters Laura and Carey, grandson Brett, great granddaughters Taylor, Mackenzie and Isla. Graveside services will be Monday the 26th of September at Glen Oaks Memorial Park, corner of the Midway and Hagen Ln. at 11:00 A.M.