Paula Kaye Danford Speraneo

A Celebration of Life Service for Paula Kaye Danford, 80, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, May 25, 2025, at the First Christian Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Paula entered this world on August 28, 1944, in Springfield, Missouri, the daughter of Paul and Pansy Powell Danford.   And on March 12, 2025, she left it, leaving behind a legacy of selfless service, artistic passion, and unwavering dedication to her family and community.

Paula’s life was a testament to the power of quiet determination. She was not one to seek the spotlight, nor did she require recognition for the work she did—but anyone who has ever attended a concert, play, art show, festival, or community event in West Plains has, in some way, benefited from her tireless efforts.  In 1963, Paula married Charles Augustus Heiss, III and together they raised three children—two daughters and a son. Life took her on a new journey in 1981 when she married Thomas Speraneo. Their marriage was blessed with two more children, making a full and loving family. In 1990, Paula and Tom moved to West Plains, Missouri, a place that would become not only their home but also the foundation of Paula’s lasting impact.  Professionally, Paula was a woman of many talents. She worked as a Purchasing Agent in procurement for Ralston Purina, demonstrating a keen ability for organization and efficiency. Later, she became the Chief Operating Officer at S&S Aqua Farm, where she applied her skills in management and leadership. But no matter how successful she was in her career, Paula’s true passion was in giving back—specifically through her deep commitment to the arts.  For more than 30 years, Paula was the face of the West Plains Council on the Arts. She worked relentlessly to bring culture and creativity to the Ozarks, believing that the arts should be accessible to all. But her contributions didn’t stop there. When her children were in high school, she was a steadfast supporter of the West Plains High School Concert Choir, dedicating her time and energy to ensuring that young voices were heard. She threw herself into community service, working with The Avenue Theatre, the Organic Growers Association, the West Plains Arts Alliance, and the Farmers Market, where she served as President.  She was also a fierce advocate for causes that directly helped people in need, such as the Diaper Resource Center and the Chamber Nonprofit Alliance. If there was an effort to make West Plains a better place to live, Paula was involved—not for the recognition, but because she believed in the mission.  In 2022, her efforts were formally acknowledged when she was named Citizen of the Year by the West Plains Chamber of Commerce. It was an honor that perfectly encapsulated who Paula was: a leader, an innovator, and a champion for her community. The award is meant to recognize outstanding accomplishments, civic responsibility, and selfless service—three things that defined Paula’s life.  Paula’s reach extended beyond community organizations and projects. She was a mother, a grandmother, a great-grandmother, and a friend.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Pansy Powell Danford, her brother, Harold Danford, sister, Diana Danford and her grandson, Christopher Heiss.

She is survived by one sister, Jean Newland, as well as her five children, who carry on her spirit of kindness and perseverance: daughter, Cyndi Myers and husband Dennis, son, Chris Heiss and wife Karen, daughter, Cara Swank and husband Tim, daughter, Amber Miller and husband Jake, and son, Josh Speraneo.  She also leaves behind a legacy in her grandchildren: Daniel Myers and wife Sara, Terry Madlinger and wife Niki, Sarah Vegerano and husband Luis, Nikki Dobson and husband Brad, Brooke Myers and partner Travis, Casey Noto and husband Andrew, Ris Swank, Zach Swank, Masynn Baldwin, Leyla Baldwin, Cash Adamson, Malcolm Miller, Megan Heiss Witkemper and husband Ryan, Kyle Heiss and wife Lexington, Moriah Heiss,Phillip Heiss and partner Rachel Hill. Paula was also blessed with 10 great-grandchildren: Carmela, Lyndon, Ofelia, Cody, Tyler, Quinn, Rory, Adalynn, Season, and Christen. Finally, Paula is survived by many nieces, nephews and their loving families.

There is a saying that a person’s worth is measured not by what they take from the world, but by what they leave behind. By that measure, Paula Speraneo’s worth is immeasurable. She gave more than she ever received, leaving behind a community that is stronger, more vibrant, and more enriched because of her. The lives she touched, the causes she championed, and the love she shared will continue to ripple outward, shaping her family, West Plains and the people in it for generations to come.  The world is quieter without her, but the echoes of her work, her laughter, and her love will never fade.