Paula Joan (PJ) Warren passed away in the early morning of January 1, 2021 at her home in Bainville with her loving husband, Butch, by her side. She was 76-years-old.
On April 30, 1944, Paula (PJ) was born in Williston, North Dakota to John and Dag Simard. She was the youngest of two girls. She grew up outside of Bainville, Montana on the family farm until 1955 when her father built their home in town. She graduated from Bainville Public School in 1962.
Paula had a passion for teaching children so she attended MSU Billings to do just that, teach. She graduated in the spring of 1965 and her first teaching job started the following fall in Las Vegas, Nevada. She also taught in Sidney, Montana and Longview, Washington. However, 37 of her 39 years were spent alongside wonderful coworkers and friends in her hometown educating countless children including her three children, and three of her grandchildren. She retired in 2006.
On July 6, 1968 Paula married Vernon (Butch) Warren at the Lutheran church in Bainville. Butch and Paula celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary in 2018. Together they raised their three children, Melissa, Lafe and Rachelle, in Bainville. Over their 52 years they did everything together. Most importantly, they attended church. Paula loved Jesus with all her heart. Together they supported their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren alike. Whether they were gone to watch a sports game, a surgery, the birth of a baby, a wedding, graduation or family reunion. Butch would drive Paula so they were there together, with her beloved dog, Copper. Paula loved to go go go, especially for her family. I think we can all agree that when everyone came together for Christmas it was her favorite time of the year. She loved her family with everything she had and she loved to talk about their different accomplishments.
That love to go didn’t stop at family, though. Paula loved to travel with her friends as well. Paula (and Butch) took trips to Hawaii and a cruise to Alaska with friends. Paula went to many Women of Faith conventions. She loved going to Medora. She loved being at Bible studies, sitting at the round table for breakfast or just driving around to do a little shopping. Paula would go near and far for friends, especially in times of need and her home was always open to anyone, especially for a cup of Hazelnut coffee. If Paula couldn’t get to you, though, she sent a heart-felt homemade card in her place.
Paula loved all things that had sparkle. From her nails, hats, jewelry, clothing, shoes and crafting supplies, it all had bling. It was always a bonus if any of those things were Red, White and Blue.
Paula was a woman with many hobbies and talents! She played piano and guitar and sang for her church. She put together and helped with various programs. Her favorites were the school’s Veteran’s Day program and the church Christmas program. She volunteered where she could in the community and was part of the Red Hat Society. Another program close to her heart was Operation Christmas Child.
Paula loved to make scrapbooks, craft and bake with her grandkids and great grandkids. She loved making cards for every occasion. If you could join her while she did any of those things, she welcomed you with open arms! Her most valuable talent was her ability to make anyone and everyone she crossed paths with, feel loved. Paula only had friends, and everyone she met became a friend.
Paula was preceded in death by her father, John Simard, mother Dag Simard and sister, Judy Nelson.
Paula is survived by her husband, Butch Warren of Bainville, MT. Her three children, Melissa (Todd) Bonebrake of Bainville, MT, Lafe (Wendy) Warren of Rosebud, MT and Rachelle Ryder of Bainville, MT; her grandchildren Kylie (CJ) Johnston, Kendrick Bonebrake, Brac Warren, Collin Ryder, Cade Warren, Garrett Ryder, Johnna Ryder and Brynlie Elliff; her four great grandchildren Chandi, Charlie, Carson and Cimberly; numerous loved ones and special friends.
Any memorials please send to the Bainville Dollars for Scholars at PO Box 58, Bainville, MT 59212.
A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 17, 2021 at the Bainville school. Interment will follow at Bainville cemetery.
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