Paula Lee Baldwin

     Paula Lee Baldwin, age 56, of Ithaca, MI, passed away Thursday, July 16, 2026.
     Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes Ithaca, MI, at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, with her brother-in-law, Tom Ball officiating. Visitation will be held on Monday, July 20, 2026, from 2-8 P.M. with the family present from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. at the funeral home.
     Paula was born in Carson City, MI on April 14, 1970, the daughter of Paul Leroy Helms and Janet Joyce (Block) Davis. She graduated from Ithaca High School, with the Class of 1988. In high school, Paula broke multiple track records with her relay team, and loved playing other kinds of sports. She always looked forward to the annual family softball game held at her mom's house. Paula was also an avid bowler. Many times, she was one pin shy of a perfect game. In her spare time, you could find Paula with a book.
      Paula took pride in being a mom and "Grammie." She shared her love of asparagus hunting every spring with her daughters and grandkids, and always made a point to show up for everyone's games and events. She always made sure the people she loved had something to eat, whether it be a barbecue in the summertime, or a full spread during the holidays.
     Paula was feisty, and would always tell you what was on her mind. She showed genuine curiosity in anyone she talked to, and could always keep a conversation going. She was strong-willed and was never afraid to stand up for the people she loved. Her daughters were never without anything they needed. Paula will be remembered as a strong, loving, and caring mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt, who always had a smile on her face.
     She is survived by her father Paul Helms; her children: Maci (Jacob) Barnes, Peyton Kent, and Ellie Baldwin; her grandchildren: Alice, Aria, Hazel, Elijah, and Callum. She is also survived by her siblings: Kim (LuAnn) Diffin, Kelly (Thomas) Ball, Gary (Julie) Moore, Jill Moore, and Christopher (Erica Aasved) Helms; and step-sister Libby (Gary) Strpko. Paula was preceded in death by her mother Janet Davis, step-father Ronnie Davis, and step-sister Tammie Davis.
     Memorials may be made to the wishes of the family. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan.