Paula Rae Chester

Paula Rae Chester, 69, of Bluffton, SC passed away Monday, June 7, 2021 at her home after a 15-year battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Paula was born October 25, 1951 in St. Louis, MO to the late Stanley Yamokoski and Jean T. Yamokoski. She was a graduate of Kent State University High School Class of 1969 and went on to receive her Bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green State University. It was at Bowling Green State that Paula met her college sweetheart, Wayne Chester. They married and began their family in the Maryland/Virginia area. After many of Wayne’s career moves, they settled in Westerville, Ohio for 30-years. She worked as director of early childhood development in Columbus, OH. Upon retirement, they found their final home in the Lowcountry.  Paula was very creative, enjoyed arts and crafts, loved gardening, and enjoyed collecting Barbie dolls, especially the annual Christmas Barbie. She had the best sense of humor and was always dancing! Paula was truly loved by all and had a wonderful circle of friends, but no one was more important to her than her children and grandchildren, who affectionately called her ChaCha.

Paula is survived by her husband of 48 years, Wayne Chester; son, Douglas Chester (Renee) of Cumming, GA; daughter, Laura Clemons (Shane) of Cumming, GA; sisters, Anne Wheeler (Jim) of Columbus, OH and Jane Gathagan (Mark) of Akron, OH; brother-in-law, Gary Chester (Connie) of Chicago, IL; six grandchildren, Mason, Aubrey, Erynn, Sawyer, Landon, and Madelyn; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Parkinson’s Disease Association in Paula’s memory: https://www.apdaparkinson.org/donate/

Sauls Funeral Home of Bluffton is assisting the family with arrangements.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Paula Rae Chester, please visit our Tree Store.