Eleanor "Ellie" Santillan Paular

Ellie Paular, born on March 4, 1932 in French Camp, CA, to Pastor and Conchita Engkabo, passed away peacefully on January 19, 2026, at the age of 93, in Sacramento, CA, surrounded by her loving family. Preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Gerald “Jerry” Paular Sr., exactly 15 years ago (1/19/2011), and son Michael Paular. Survived by her daughter, Debra Heffelfinger (Steve), son Gerald “Jay” Paular Jr. (Nephtali), and daughter-in-law Doreen Paular. She was the second of seven children, late brother Pastor Engkabo Jr. (late Lorraine), sister Arlene Evangelista (Fred), sister Judy Engkabo, brother Anthony Engkabo (Beverly), brother Ted Engkabo, and sister Amparo Calimbas. She was also blessed with eight grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. They all loved their “GG.”

Ellie grew up in Stockton, CA, where she attended McKinley Grammar School and Edison High School. In 1943, at age 11, she met Jerry, age 12, at Trinity Presbyterian Church. Seven years later they were married on October 1, 1950, in Zephyr Cove, NV. In 1954, the family moved to Sacramento, CA, which remained her home for the past 71 years. Although they lived in Sacramento, Jerry and Ellie continued to bring their children to weekly church services and events at Trinity Presbyterian in Stockton. Their fellow church members became family and have remained so throughout many generations.

Ellie retired from Sacramento County, after 26 years from the Adult Probation Department as a Clerical Supervisor for the Court Report Unit. She loved her job, but her true passion was always the piano, beginning at the age of four years old. After retiring, she started, “Ms. Ellie’s Piano Lessons,” as one way to share her love for playing the piano. She continued to do this for over 30 years. Ellie would also show her love of playing the piano at church, community events, family gatherings, and most recently for her independent living community of nine years. “Sing-along with Ms. Ellie” was a resident favorite.

Ellie will be remembered for the love she had for her husband, family, and friends. Her legacy lives on through the lessons she taught us, the love she shared, and the memories we will cherish forever.

On Friday, February 13, 2026, there will be a visitation at 9:00am. The funeral service will begin at 10:00am and burial at 11:15am. All services will be at East Lawn Elk Grove Memorial Park, 9189 E. Stockton Blvd., Elk Grove, CA 95624.

Reception to follow hosted by the family.