Paula Warren

Paula Joan “PJ” Warren, 76, died Jan. 1, 202,1 at her home in Bainville.

On April 30, 1944, she was born in Williston, N.D., to John and Dag Simard, the youngest of two girls. She grew up outside of Bainville on the family farm until 1955 when her father built their home in town. She graduated from Bainville Public School in 1962.

She had a passion for teaching children so she attended Montana State University -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, Nev. She also taught in Sidney and Longview, Wash. 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, she married Vernon “Butch” Warren at the Lutheran church in Bainville. They 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. She 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. When everyone came together for Christmas, it was her favorite time of the year.

That love to go didn’t stop at family, though. She loved to travel with her friends as well. Paula (and Butch) took trips to Hawaii and a cruise to Alaska with friends. She 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.

She 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.

She 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 Veterans 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.

She loved to make scrapbooks, craft and bake with her grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. She loved making cards for every occasion.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Judy Nelson.

She is survived by her husband, Butch Warren of Bainville; children, Melissa Bonebrake of Bainville, Lafe Warren of Rosebud and Rachelle Ryder of Bainville; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

A funeral service was held Sunday, Jan. 17, at the Bainville School. Interment followed at the Bainville Cemetery. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel was entrusted with the arrangements.