Paula I. Kral , 75, of Salem passed away January 26, 2022. She was born on January 25, 1947, the daughter of William Fields and Doris Irene Green in Mt. Vernon. She married the love of her life Joseph "Joe" Kral on February 10, 1973, in Elgin and he preceded her in death on March 22, 2021.

Paula is survived by her beloved family, her children, Brian (Carla) Covalt of Odin, Scott Covalt and fiancée Monica of Salem, Dawn Kral of Salem, and Sheri (Trent) Heser of Salem; cherished grandchildren, Brian "Buddy", Chad, Brianna, John, Jenna, Cody, Brandi, and Nathanial; many precious great-grandchildren.

Along with her husband of 48 years, Joe Kral, Paula was preceded in death by her father William Fields; father Harvey Roy Smith; mother Doris Irene Green; 1 infant child.

Paula was an amazing wife, mother, and grandmother, revealing her heart's deep devotion for her family through every word and action she shared with them. She loved to cook homemade meals and made the very best, made from scratch chili sauce and spaghetti sauce. Paula was an avid reader who could get lost in the pages of a well written romance novel. She was extremely talented, using her creative abilities while crocheting and knitting. She had an open-door policy at her home making sure all were welcome, as she easily earned the title of Mom to everyone on her block. Paula was kindhearted, generous, down to earth, and to know her was to love her.

A celebration of life graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 31, 2022, with Chaplain Joannie Naraghi officiating at Peaceful Valley Cemetery in Odin. Online condolences and memories of Paula may be shared with the family by visiting www.maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home's Facebook page. Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia is privileged to be assisting the family of Paula Kral with arrangements.