Paula HANSEN

September 14, 1953 - May 5, 2024

Spokane - Paula Ruth Washington Hansen, the beautiful wife of Bill Hansen and the beloved mother to children Judson Patrick, Jason Paul, and Kristina Lynn, passed away on May 5, 2024, following a massive brain hemorrhage, leaving a void her family cannot fill.

Paula was born in Ione, Washington, in 1953 to Charles J. and Dixie Washington, and the family moved to Spokane in the mid-1960s. She attended Mead High School, graduating in 1971, before attending Spokane Falls Community College until 1972. Paula attended Eastern Washington University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science, and continued to Whitworth University, earning a master's degree in counseling. She worked for various companies, and in the mid-80s, she started with the United States Post Office and retired from USPS in 2003 as the Spokane District Manager of Marketing Operations.

Paula met the love of her life, Bill, while attending Spokane Falls Community College. Bill and Paula started dating in the Spring of 1972 and were married on December 16, 1972. They celebrated 51 years of marriage in December 2023. Over the last twenty-thirty years, her hobbies included sculpting, painting, playing the piano, and, most of all, world travel with Bill. The two have traveled to over 50 countries, including Italy, Panama Canal, China, Greece, Turkey, Israel, Jordan, Egypt, and many more.

Paula always stayed active. She was a passionate swimmer and walker and an avid gardener. Their beautiful landscaping indicates the work she and Bill accomplished together.

She was a devoted grandmother to Rian Williamson, Hannah Panzeri, Gatlin Dean Williams, and Hailey Hansen. Hailey was Paula's pride and joy; she always said Hailey's birth improved her life. Hailey felt that in the love and support Paula always provided. When the children were young, Paula loved cooking and baking with them. One of Paula's favorite activities was camping with the family on their Kettle Falls property, and they created many memories from 1978-2022 (when the property was sold).

Paula was preceded in death by her son, Judson Patrick (who died in infancy); mother, Dixie; father, Charles J.; brother, Charles R.; and sister, Laura LaCroix. She is survived by her husband, Bill; son, Jason; stepdaughter, Kristine; granddaughter, Hailey; brother, Ron Washington (Becky); and sister, Carla Engle (Dan), who will never forget the love she brought to their lives.

A private family celebration of life is planned. In place of flowers, please consider donating to Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery` in memory of Paula Ruth Hansen.