Paula Lou HENLEY

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University of Arizona

Paula HENLEY Obituary

HENLEY, Paula Lou 74, passed away on October 24, 2016 from cancer. Paula was born July 13, 1942 in Wichita, Kansas. She was preceded in death by her husband of 35 years, Jim Henley and her parents, Paul Richard and Virginia Lee Welch. Paula leaves behind her brother, Scott Welch (Claudette); her uncle, Larry Brown (Carrie) and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Paula was in the first graduating class from Rincon High School (1960). Rincon had a contest for art students to create the logo for the school. Paula submitted the Ranger hat and boots design and won. In 2014, the Rincon Ranger Foundation inducted her into the Rincon Hall of Fame and awarded her with a bronze replica of her design. Paula was the featured twirler at Rincon and one of seven twirlers at the University of Arizona. The twirlers wore a letter on their costumes that spelled out Arizona. Paula wore the "O". She got her bachelor's degree in fine arts and her master's in special education. While in college, Paula was chosen as Miss Pima County in 1961 and Miss Arizona in 1962. She competed in the Miss America pageant in Atlantic City exhibiting her twirling and fire baton skills. She won first place and a scholarship for her talent on the night she competed. Paula taught elementary school in California and later held a position as director of an adult special education facility. Paula was always very creative. She made beautiful jewelry, paintings, appliques and lovely quilts. She was a very gentle and sweet person and will be greatly missed! Heaven has a new saint! In honor of Paula's love for animals, donations may be made to the Tucson Wildlife Center, 13275 E. Speedway, Tucson, AZ 85748.

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Published by Arizona Daily Star on Nov. 6, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Paula HENLEY

6 Entries

Janine Roberts

January 26, 2017

Dear Scotty, my heart breaks to hear of the death of my oldest friend, Paula. We grew up together, your wonderful parents and mine (the Maluys) and us kids going from Wichita to Tucson and beyond. I wish I could share with you the great memories I have of our two families and the crazy-fun childhood adventures Paula and I had together-climbing too high in trees, hours rambling in the desert and Sabino Canyon. Over the years, even though our lives were very different, we managed a number of visits: I remember looking at the desert at eye-level in your fabulous 9000 sq. foot design in Tucson, and goats on the porch in Placerville. Our last visit was in Sacto, too long ago. Your lovely, gentle, generous, beyond-talented Sis and I exchanged e-cards for special occasions, but then hers stopped. My memories of your family and especially Paula, this beloved friend, have often been shared with my own four kids and grandchildren. She lives on. My love and wishes for peace go out to you all. If you could please call, Scotty, I'm at 661-599-6125 (CA.) or email me at [email protected]
Jannie

Lisa Torbenson

November 26, 2016

I will certainly miss my cousin Paula. We always talked about if we were second cousins or once removed. She had it figured out, but I always forgot. There are so many fond memories of our Thanksgivings together, both in Tucson and Sacramento. Paula was always smiling and happy. I was grateful to have family in town again when I moved to Sacramento and she welcomed me with open arms. Her love for all animals and creatures made her stand out in this world. I will surely miss sweet Paula. My prayers are with you Scott and your family.

Jackie Weiss

November 7, 2016

Dear Scottie and family, I was in that first graduating class with Paula. I had transferred in and didn't know anyone. Although she was one of the "cool" kids, she was always very kind and unpretentious. Years later I ran into her at a Siddha Yoga Meditation event in Marin County and she was as gracious and sweet as ever. A few of us from back then recently got in touch with each other and so we all send our love and blessings to you all with good memories of a good soul. Jackie, Carolyn Ide White, and Margot Orona Shackelford. And Scottie, I do remember you too, the cute little brother! and send you big hugs for this very sad time.

Ann Haas Johnson

November 7, 2016

Paula was a great friend to many of us during those great years of High School and College.
She will be missed. My prayers are with her.

Nancy Groh

November 6, 2016

I was sorry to read Paula's obituary in todays paper. I had lost track of her but we were sorority sisters back in the '60's and I remember us all watching the Miss America pageant at the sorority house. Good memories. God be with her.

Flora Gott-Smith

November 6, 2016

So very sorry to hear of Paulas passing. My prayers be with you all. My daughter's name is Paula, wonder where I got the idea. Glad I had a chance to see her at the school anniversary.

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