Paula Jean Dressel

Paula Jean Nevins Dressel died peacefully in her sleep at home in Weimar, Texas with her loving husband present. She had recently been diagnosed with lung cancer and heart complications. Paula was born in Vallejo, California to George Phillip and Lucy Opal Nevins, with her brother James Harper happily waiting at home. Paula graduated from Vallejo Senior High class of 1958. She enjoyed reading, synchronized swimming and played the clarinet in school. She met the love of her life in 1955 at the Vallejo Plundge, the handsome lifeguard Robert Milton Dressel. Robert courted Paula until their marriage on August 3, 1958. The summer of 1959 they started their family with the birth of their first born Cari Ann and in 1961 their second child Gregory Phillip. In 1963, the family along with Roberts parents moved to Needles where they purchased the TraveLodge Motel. Paula deeply enjoyed meeting and conversing with travelers from all over the world. In 1967, another summer baby was born, Jodi Lynn. Paula enjoyed bowling when she could get away from the business and made many friends in the new town. The couple invested in several small businesses; Pizza Villa, Coffee Cup, a Used Car Lot, and The Hungry Bear Restaurant. Paula was the official bookkeeper. She loved sailing and scuba diving in faraway waters, camping, boating, and crossword puzzles. In 1996, they retired bought a motor home, and traveled throughout the USA. The love of antiques began their new endeavor of buying and selling antiques in Arizona, Illinois, Wisconsin, and New York making many new friends. She was known for her gift of gab, a bright smile, and a loving caring heart. Paula is survived by her husband Robert, her children Greg and Willow Dressel, Jodi Miller, her grandchildren Taylor Miller, Aaron Dressel, Amy Dressel, and Joanne Harris, six great-grandchildren, as well as other family members. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother James Harper, and her daughter Cari Goodgame. She will be dearly missed by her family and many friends. A Memorial Celebration will be held Saturday, September 16, 2023, noon at the Needles Elks Lodge.