Paula Jane Griswold Toms, of Ames, and formerly of Nevada, passed away on Friday, October 23, 2026

Family and friends are invited to gather between 5:00 PM-7:00 PM on Tuesday, October 27th at Green Hills in the Community Room for a celebration of life. Rasmusson Funeral Home is handling arrangements for a private family burial.

Paula was born in Clinton, Iowa, on June 4, 1943, to Paul Edward Griswold and Ava June Irwin Griswold McFarland. She graduated from Assumption High School and attended Marycrest College in Davenport and Iowa State University.

On June 13, 1964, Paula married Donald L. Toms. They shared 49 years of marriage and raised four children together.

Paula worked for the Iowa Department of Transportation in Ames, retiring in 1999. During retirement, she continued her public service by working for several years as a clerk at the Iowa House of Representatives.

Paula enjoyed playing bridge, reading, sewing, quilting, gardening, and continuing to learn through OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute). She was a member of Questers and was active with Heartland Adult Day Services, the League of Women Voters, and the Compassion and Choices OLLI Curriculum Committee. She especially loved playing Mahjong with her many friends at Green Hills. She also devoted her time and energy to numerous committees and clubs within the Green Hills community. Paula enjoyed attending operas and plays with her friends in Nevada and Ames.

Paula had strong feelings and opinions on many subjects and was never afraid to share them. When it came to politics, she was always ready to tell you whom you should vote for and why, whether you asked or not! She often sent her children information about candidates running for public office in their respective communities, along with her thoughts on how they should vote. Her passion for civic engagement and women's rights was an important part of who she was.

Living at Green Hills brought Paula great joy. She cherished her many friends and appreciated the caring staff. She especially enjoyed making her rounds to visit friends in Health Care on her way to Sunday lunch with friends. These connections and friendships were an important source of happiness for her.

Paula is survived by her four children: Lynda (Chip) Sotolar of St. Louis; DJ (Chris) of Boerne, Texas; Elizabeth (Mark) Cahill of Nevada, Iowa; and Marshal (Amber) of Winona, Minnesota. She is also survived by ten grandchildren: Meagan and Paige Sotolar; Debbie, Whitney, and Michael Toms; Jack (Jessica), Grace, and Bridget Cahill; and Hunter and Hayden Toms.

She is further survived by two sisters, Ann Shoultz of Bettendorf and Gwen (Steve) Liston of Waukee; and two brothers, Mark (Sue) Griswold of California and Patrick Griswold (Bibi) of Minnesota.

Paula was preceded in death by her husband, Don, in 2013; her parents; and her sister, Jill Robinson

Paula's family extends its heartfelt thanks to the employees of Green Hills and Suncrest Hospice for the wonderful care and compassion they provided during her brief illness. They treated Paula with dignity and ensured that she was comfortable and well cared for.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Heartland Adult Day Services, The League of Women Voters, or the Green Hills Memorial Committee. Paula also felt strongly about supporting organizations that advocate for women's rights.

Those wishing to send condolences to the family may do so online at www.rasmussonfh.com.