Paula Mary (Clements) Ruefer

Paula M. Ruefer

December 22nd, 1949 - March 17th, 2025

With her family by her side, Paula Mary Ruefer, 75, passed peacefully at her beloved home in Davenport, Iowa, on March 17, 2025. Those lucky enough to have known her understand just how deeply she’ll be missed.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Fry Funeral Home in Tipton, Iowa, followed by a funeral service at 11:30 a.m., led by David Fry. A private burial will be held at a later date.  Online condolences, fond memories and photos of Paula may be shared at www.fryfuneralhome.com.

Born December 22, 1949, in Bennett, Iowa, to Edward “Bud” and Grace Clements, she and her siblings were raised with a strong work ethic—a value that stayed with her throughout her life. She graduated from Bennett High School, staying connected to classmates and never missing a Bennett Bomber class reunion.

In 1982, she married the love of her life, Michael Eugene Ruefer, and together they raised their daughters—lovingly known as “the girls”—in the McClellan Heights home they restored over the past 34 years. She took pride in the life they built and will be remembered for many things—including her love of a good cup of coffee, and her legendary Rice Krispie Treats.

Paula spent nearly 40 years building a successful career in real estate at Mel Foster Co. Those who worked with her knew she was more than a Realtor, she was a trusted advisor and worked tirelessly for all of her customers—many of whom became lifelong friends. She was a member of multiple organizations including the National Association of REALTORS, and received countless awards along the way.

She is survived by her husband, Michael; daughters, Jaimie (Tom) Pennington and Christie (Cris) Ruefer Shipman; grandsons, Tony and Mason; sisters, Brenda (Sid) Brown and Gracie Gritton; favorite brother, Edward (Shelley) Clements; many nieces and nephews; and several spoiled grandpups.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Wanda Ossmann, Ellen Proctor, Catherine Hollingsworth, and Candise Clements; and honorary sister, Shirley Swingle.

The family would like to thank Heartland Hospice, Genesis Visiting Nurses, Genesis Acute Rehabilitation Center, the University of Iowa Cancer Center, and Dr. Humphrey Wong for their compassionate care and support.