Paula Fehring

Paula Fehring, 74, of Lenox, passed away peacefully Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, with her daughters by her side. Visitation was held 3 to 7 p.m., with family greeting friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct 16, at the Cummings Family Funeral Home in Lenox. Funeral services were held 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, at the Lenox Arising Methodist Church. Pastor Lauri Greenlee and Pastor Tim Maxa officiated the service. After the services, burial was held in the North Fairview Cemetery in Lenox. Food and fellowship followed at the Lenox Community building.

Paula was known for her flair and sense of style, so guests were asked to wear their own flair (Gamgam loved leopard and red!). In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family to be established in Paula’s honor. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.cummingsfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Paula Sue (Bush) Fehring was born Sept. 5, 1951, to Orvin and Charlotte (Jackson) Bush in Creston. Brother Jeff welcomed Paula home. She grew up on the family farm south of Lenox. Paula attended Platte #9 Country School and Lenox Community Schools, graduating with the class of 1969. Paula went on to attend Iowa Western Community College (Clarinda), then Northwest Missouri State (pledged Phi Mu), and graduated with a Bachelors of Science in art education in 1973.

She taught art education at Clearfield Community Schools for seven years until the birth of her children. In later years, she taught adult basic education at Taylor Ridge Estates.

Paula married the love of her life John (Jack) Fehring June 7, 1975. They owned and operated Big Johns and lived & farmed the same property where Paula grew up. They were then given their miracles; triplets born Jan. 28, 1982: Sarah Elizabeth, Nicholas John and Kate Charlotte. Paula loved being a farm wife and mom. She felt so lucky to spend every day with Jack and the kids on the farm.

Paula taught Sunday school for 15 years, volunteered for community and school activities, was a Boy and Girl Scout leader, served on several boards, was a devoted hospice volunteer and poured her soul into Walk to Emmaus. She also loved to cook, collect antiques and decorate her home. She passed these loves onto her daughters.

When Jack died in 2005, Paula and the kids were devastated. But Paula went on to live the life Jack would have wanted for her. She strengthened old relationships, developed new ones, traveled (Ireland was her favorite - who knew Gamgam loved Guinness), grew in her faith and continued to be the life of the party. Her life and love grew even more when she became Gamgam with the birth of her eight grandbabies.

Paula was preceded in death by her beloved husband and son, Jack Fehring (2005) and Nick Fehring (2025); her parents, Orvin and Charlotte Bush; her dearest aunt Norma; her special cousin Lincoln Jackson; her parents-in-law, Norbert and Helen Fehring and brothers-in-law, Matt and Jerry Fehring.

Left to live Paula’s legacy are her daughters and sons-in-law, Sarah and Zach Gunsolley and Kate and Sean Shafar; her adored grandchildren: Jackson, Elizabeth and Lincoln Gunsolley, Samuel and Alice Fehring and Charlotte, Camille and Vin Shafar; her brother Jeff Bush; brother-in-law Pat (Marcia) Fehring; sister-in-law Kris Fehring, as well as nieces, nephews, extended family and countless friends.

Paula was the light. No matter if you talk to her oldest friend or newest acquaintance, she was the light, the sparkle, the shining jewel. Her family and friends will live by her example and go on to live the lives that Paula would have wanted for them. They will put one foot in front of the other and take it one day at a time because forever is too long without her. Paula will always be with them, shining brighter than ever.

Kate and Sarah give a special thank you to the staff at Vintage Park and Bedford Specialty Care for taking the absolute best care of their mom. They are forever grateful.