Paula Rose Kennedy, 72, beloved mother and grandmother, of St. Clairsville, OH, passed away peacefully at home on January 5, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Paula was born on August 5, 1952, in Pineville, West Virginia, the daughter of the late Burl and Inez Stafford Rose. She was a 1970 graduate of Baileysville High School where she was an honor student and varsity cheerleader. She was a 1997 summa cum laude graduate from the College of West Virginia with a B.A. in Paralegal Studies and Business Management. She retired from Ohio Central Railroad in 2018.

Paula was a devoted mother and grandmother and is survived by her two children Kelee Kennedy of St. Clairsville, OH and Amy (Michael) Thurman of Spartanburg, SC; grandchildren Holly (John) Kasik of Farmington Hills, MI, Ashton Thurman of Charleston, SC, Noah (fiancée Taylor) Trubiano of Jacobsburg, OH, and Jacob Thurman of Charleston, SC; two sisters, Delores Rose Kennedy of Murfreesboro, TN, and Connie (Norman) Lester of Morgantown, WV; brother, Burl Rose of Jackson Springs, NC, brother-in-law Allen Hammitt of Summerfield, NC, and several beloved nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Paula was preceded in death by her sister Margaret Rose Hammitt and sister-in-law Anna Mae Rose.

Paula shared a special bond with her "grand animals" especially Gizmo, whose loyal companionship brought her joy and happiness.

As per her wishes, no visitation or services are planned. A Celebration of Life service is planned for a later date.

Memorial Donations may be made in memory of Paula to the Belmont County Animal Shelter at 45244 National Road W, St Clairsville, OH 43950 .