Pauline Munoz

Paula (Pauline) passed away on November 26, 2009 in Midland, Texas. She was born on June 6, 1934 in Bastrop, Texas to Juanita and John Espinoza. She was raised and educated in Weslaco, Texas. After graduation, she married her childhood sweetheart, Ruben Munoz. They moved to Chicago where they both attended college. Paula earned a degree at Chicago College in Therapy (Naprathapy). Later, they moved to Midland and Paula helped to start up a Spanish music store, now known as "El Nopal Record Shop", that she had owned and operated for forty four years and was still in business up to the time of her passing. Paula had a mind for business and managed her business very well. Paula was a devout lifelong Catholic who had a deep faith and love for her religion. She was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church where she and her husband were both very involved for many years in various areas of the church. She organized and chaired the children's religious program, chaired the annual Family Fair several times and was also a Sunday Mass reader. Paula also supported many Catholic churches, charities and organizations across the country such as St. Anthony Seminary and Oblate Missions in San Antonio, the Virgin of San Juan Catholic Shrine in San Juan, Texas, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC just to name a few. Paula will always be remembered for love of music and dancing. She enjoyed music of all kinds but specially "Tejano" music. She attended the annual Tejano Music Awards every year in various cities. Due to her involvement in the music business she was very well known and respected among many of the Spanish bands and music organizations around Texas and other states. Paula loved to dance and did so whenever any opportunity came up. She always said that she would dance until the day she died. Paula always lived life to the fullest when she was stronger and healthier. She loved to travel and went to many places, but most of the time to see her family throughout the country and seldom missed a wedding, anniversary or celebration of any kind, and of course she was thrilled to go to Vegas and went quite often. She had a big heart, always generous and willing to give or help when she could. Paula loved all her nephews and nieces who lived throughout the country and she very seldom forgot their birthdays or anniversaries and would send cards. She was always there for them. Paula, we will miss your beautiful smile, humor and laughter that you were known for. Paula was preceded in death by her husband Ruben Munoz, her parents, two sisters, Apolonia Garza and Lucy Coronado and one brother, Mike Espinoza. She is survived by two sisters, Mary Merino and Celia Morales and husband, Felipe of Midland; three brothers Frank Espinoza and wife Julia of San Antonio, Jesse Espinoza and wife, Rosa of Brownsville and John Espinoza, Jr. and wife Mary of Denver, Colorado. Paula is also survived by her niece Cynthia Maes and husband Gregory Maes, nephews Jerry Morales and wife Meredith and children Chris, Chase and Chelsi all of Midland, and Novert Morales and wife Wendy and children Jerika, Javrey and Jonluke of Austin, Texas, and Frank Espinoza Jr. and wife Nina of San Antonio, Texas. She is also survived by many other nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Jerry Morales, Novert Morales, Christopher Morales, Chase Morales, JonLuke Morales, Frank Espinoza Jr. and Greg Maes all nephews of Paula. Honorary Pallbearer will be Felipe Morales. Rosary will be held at on Monday, November 30, 2009 at 7:00 PM at Ellis Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, December 1, 2009 at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Midland, TX with Fr. Edward T. De Leon, O.M.I and Msgr. Larry Droll officiating. Burial will take place at Fairview Cemetery under the direction of Ellis Funeral Home. Online condolences are available through ellisfunerals.com.