Paula Sue Grapp

On September 1, 2022, at the young age of 55, Paula Sue Grapp passed away at the Iowa Methodist Medical Center surrounded by her loved ones.

Paula was born on March 12, 1967 to Dwayne and Barbara (Young) Culp. She was blessed to grow up in a wonderful family that taught her about the precious love of Jesus from an early age. Her life's mission was to point all she came to know toward Christ with a gentle nudge, an encouraging word, or through the unconditional love she so freely gave. Paula was passionate about living her life completely and fully. She strove to always be intentional with her time, her words, and most importantly, her walk with the Lord. In every blessing she was quick to give all the glory to God.

Paula grew up in West Des Moines, Iowa, and graduated from Hoover High School in 1985. She married the love of her life, Martin Lee Grapp, on August 6, 1989, and they spent 33 beautiful years together. Paula and Marty started their cherished family and decided to raise them in Adel, Iowa. Paula made the loving (and courageous) choice to homeschool their three children and instilled her love for God and life in each of them.

Paula was diagnosed with cancer on her birthday in the spring of 2014. Although her experience with cancer was incredibly exhausting, it was imperative to Paula that she wasn't called a "fighter." She was adamant that it was the Lord who went to battle for her. She went to her knees and leaned heavily on her Savior to provide the strength, courage, and perseverance she needed to carry on. Paula was a light to all who were privileged enough to know her, but she made it clear that her joy came from the Lord.

Paula was also full of spunk and sass until the end. Many of us have witnessed and enjoyed her (sometimes brutal) honesty. She chose to dedicate years of her life investing in those around her, especially the youth of her community.

Paula was preceded in death by her beloved younger brother, Andrew Culp who passed away in 1980 and her father, Dwayne Culp who passed away in 2004.

Paula is survived by her best friend and husband, Marty Grapp; her mother, Barbara Culp; her three children and their spouses, Andrew and Hannah Grapp, Austin and Melissa Grapp, and Abrianna and Daniel Johnson; grandchildren, Adalena, Rowan, Sterling, and Wilder; her siblings, Sherri (Jim Haynes), Diana (Dale Christiansen), Steven (Linda Culp), Michael, and Dennis (Jayne Culp); as well as, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday September 7, 2022 at Keystone Church. 849 S Ankeny Blvd, Ankeny. Family will greet friends from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, September 6, 2022 at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue, Des Moines.

Print