Verla Jean Paulsen

 Verla passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 29, 2024 at the age of 95, in Albuquerque, NM. She was born on Friday, November 9, 1928, in Madrid, NE. She married John Paulsen in 1946 in Hillsboro, OR. They were married 2 weeks short of 60 yrs. 

She was a dedicated military wife, homemaker and a nurturing, loving mom to Eugene and Joan. She also worked a short time for Furr’s Cafeteria. She was most proud of her grandchildren and great grandchildren and loved her whole family with great joy. 

A devout member of First United Methodist Church where she and John enjoyed camping trips with church friends. Her favorite music was made by the St. John’s UMC Bluegrass Band.

She was a talented seamstress and an excellent crewel embroiderer. When she wasn’t walking, eating out with John, or playing bingo, she loved camping with family, crossword puzzles and watching TV. She lived her life ferociously on her own independent terms. 

Verla is proceeded in death by her husband John, parents Rosco and Viola Evans, sisters Dorothy, Lorna Mae, brother Mervin, and grandson Kevin.

She is survived by daughter Joan (Wayne) Shirley, son Eugene (Nikki) Paulsen, sister Evelyn Snyder; Grandchildren Kirsten Shirley, Karen Shirley, Emily Paulsen, Jennifer (Nate) Zenker, John Paulsen II, Amanda (Billy) Danks, eight great grandchildren, Eugene, Sophie, Geordi, Inara, Levi, Theodore, Amelia and Kaiya and beloved nieces and nephews. 

A viewing will be held on Thursday, July 11, 2024 from 5:30PM to 7:30PM at French Mortuary located at 10500 Lomas Blvd NE, Albuq., NM 87112.

A celebration of her life will be held on July 12 at 11:00 AM at St John's United Methodist Church located at 2626 Arizona St. NE in Albuq., NM, 87110. A luncheon will be served immediately following the service. Verla will be inurned with her husband at Sunset Memorial Park at a later date with family attending.

**If attending the viewing or service, please REFRAIN from wearing fragrances such as cologne, perfume or scented lotions. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St John's UMC in Albuq., NM, to the worship arts fund or the food ministry.

We would like to express our sincerest thanks to the staffs of Brio Assisted Living and to the Hospice of NM for their wonderful loving care of Verla! She will be greatly missed by everyone in her life!

Thank you

Our family thanks you for all of your prayers during the past year as Verla’s health deteriorated and for the kind cards, thoughts and continued prayers since her death. We are so blessed!

In Celebration of the Life of Verla Jean Paulsen

November 9, 1928 to June 29, 2024

 Gathering Music   -  St. John’s Bluegrass Band

 Opening Words - Rev. Clyde Stanfield

*Hymn # 77 - “How Great Thou Art” 

*Scripture Reading: Psalms 23 - Linda Sahlfeld

Prayer & The Lord's Prayer - Rev. Clyde Stanfield

Eulogy  - Joan Shirley

Reflections and Remembrances  - Family and Friends

*Hymn # 378 - “Amazing Grace” 

Reading “Footprints” - Jennifer Zenker

Remembering Verla - Rev. Clyde Stanfield

Song: “When the Roll is Called Up Yonder” - St Johns Bluegrass Band

Blessing -  Rev. Clyde Stanfield

Recessional of Family and Friends -  St John’s Bluegrass Band

Luncheon in the Family Life Center/ go out the East doors, across the patio area and into the glass doors