Paulette Mae Beitz

Paulette “Paula” Mae Beitz August 12, 1945 – January 19, 2025

Paulette “Paula” Mae Beitz, 79, of Espanola, NM, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her children, husband and two best friends, on January 19, 2025.

Paula was born on August 12, 1945, in Paris, OH. At the age of 12, her parents moved to Las Vegas, NM. She was preceded in death by her father, William Plank, and her mother, Rachel Kaiser.

A lifelong learner, Paula graduated from cosmetology school in her early twenties. However, she only worked in the field for a brief period. She spent the majority of the first part of her working career in the retail business, working at Metzger’s Hardware for several years, as well as at Safeway & Furrs Grocery stores. After her retail years she started taking care of children at home, and decided her true calling was working with children, thus beginning a career as a pre-school teacher where she dedicated over 15 years to educating young minds at the Ark Child Development Center. She retired when her grandson, Jaden was born so she could take care of him fulltime.

Paula brought joy and laughter to all who knew her. Known for her kind and loving nature, she was always there to lend a helping hand and offer a warm smile to everyone. She never met a stranger; she would strike up a conversation with anyone she encountered. In her free time, Paula enjoyed the simple pleasures of cooking delicious meals, baking sweets, and spending time with her loved ones. Paula was a devoted wife, mother, step-mother, and grandmother. Her family was her pride and joy.

Paula is survived by her husband of 45 years, Sam Beitz; her daughter Jennifer Flowers (Charles) of Pojoaque, NM; her son Scotty Vorenberg of Seattle, WA; her stepson’s Troy Beitz (Blanca) of Kissimmee, FL, and Wayne Beitz (Carla) of Hoschton, GA; her grandchildren, Tevin & Jaden Flowers, Kevin, Ashley & Josh Beitz, and Mia Beitz; her sister’s Pam Parke, of Albuquerque, NM, and Patty Maki (Butch) of Las Lunas, NM, and a host of nieces, great-nieces & nephews, and friends.

She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at 10:30 am in the Sangre de Cristo Chapel of DeVargas Funeral Home in Espanola, NM. Burial will be at 2:30 pm at the Santa Fe National Cemetery.

The family of Paulette Beitz has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the beautiful Espanola Valley. www.devargasfuneral.com 505-747-7477