Paula Ruiz Klier

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Paula Ruiz Klier, who entered eternal rest with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Good Friday, April 18, 2025. Paula passed peacefully at her home, surrounded by her immediate family and her loving husband, James.

Born on January 15, 1936, in Austin, Texas, Paula was the youngest daughter of 11 children. She spent her childhood and adolescent years in Port Huron, Michigan. Her family frequently migrated between Austin and Port Huron to work in the fields harvesting crops such as sugar beets, tomatoes, and cotton. Some of Paula's fondest childhood memories include snowy winters in Port Huron, sledding, learning to ice skate, frozen milk bottles on the porch, and enjoying ice cream after church with her father.

Eventually, Paula returned to Austin, where she made her permanent home. She continued her education and proudly graduated from Austin High School in 1954.

In early adulthood, Paula married and had two children, Rudy and Patti Rae. She worked as a bookkeeper for Hargis and Co. and faced the challenges of being a first-generation Mexican American woman and a single mother with grace and determination. Seeking greater opportunities, she took a pay cut to begin a new career with the IRS-a decision that would lead to personal and professional fulfillment. It was there she met the love of her life, James "Jim" Klier. They married on May 28, 1966, and had two more children, Patrick and Becky.

Paula's IRS career was marked by dedication and excellence. She rose through the ranks from tax examiner to appeals officer, and later, senior auditor. One of her proudest achievements was being named National Employee of the Year during her second year as an appeals officer-a recognition that included a trip to Washington, D.C., for the awards ceremony. All of this was accomplished without a formal college education.

Paula had a heart for service and was active in her community. She was a charter member of her church and a proud member of the Tejano Monument Project Committee. Her compassion and willingness to help others in need were consistently noted by friends from high school, church, and the workplace.

Throughout her life, Paula formed deep and lasting friendships. Some friends traveled long distances to visit her in her final days, and many local loved ones stopped by regularly to offer comfort and strength. To all of them, her family extends heartfelt gratitude.

Above all, Paula lived with and for her family. She instilled strong family values and a tireless work ethic in her children and loved nothing more than spending quality time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She never missed a chance to dance with Jim. Paula will be remembered for many things: her radiant smile, graceful moves on the dance floor, delicious pies, and unwavering passion for the Texas Longhorns. Though red was her favorite color, she deeply loved her burnt orange. In her final farewell, Paula was honored by a procession of loved ones, horns raised high as The Eyes of Texas played overhead as her remains were taken from the house.

Paula is preceded in death by her parents, Aristeo and Enriqueta Ruiz, and siblings: Elvira Sanchez, Pedro "Pete" Ruiz, Victor Ruiz, Bacilio Ruiz, Domingo Ruiz, Gilbert Ruiz, Otilia Pesker, Olivia Morales, and Aristeo "John" Ruiz.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 57 years, James "Jim" Klier; brother, Louis Ruiz (Ann); and children: Rudy Herrera (Connie), Patti Kinlein (Randy), Patrick G. Klier (Anne Grassian), and Rebecca R. Klier (Adam Key). Paula is also survived by her grandchildren: Culley Herrera, Cooper Herrera (Sara), Adrianna Miller (Ben), Bob Canode (Adelinda), Brandon Kinlein (Sophie), Cameron Kinlein (Amanda Look), Graysen Klier, Natalie Grassian, Jack Grassian, Owen Klier Key, and Finnegan Klier Key,. Great-grandchildren include Lillee Herrera, Levi Herrera, Emma Miller, Raegan Miller, Kylee Canode, Tristan Canode, Naish Canode, Miles Kinlein, and Graham Kinlein.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the extraordinary and compassionate care provided by Mom's hospice nurse, Jeannie Banner.

Paula Ruiz Klier lived a life filled with grace, courage, and unwavering love. She will be dearly missed and forever remembered.

Visitation and rosary will be held Monday, May 12th, 4-7pm at Cook Walden Forest Oaks, Funeral Home, 6300 W. William Cannon Drive, Austin, Texas. A funeral Mass and light lunch is scheduled at 10:00 am, Tuesday, May 13th at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 4800 Convict Hill Road in Austin. Interment will be at 1:00 pm, Assumption Cemetery, immediate family only.