Paula Schudel

Paula was born in North Loup, Neb., to John Paul and Nema Carter Jones. She attended grade school in North Loup and graduated from North Loup High School in 1935. She continued her education at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, where she studied business administration. During her college years, Paula was crowned Popcorn Days Queen and Miss Valley County, Nebraska, and came close to winning the Miss Nebraska contest in 1937. On Sept. 8, 1940, Paula married Harold L. Schudel at her parents’ home in North Loup. Paula was a “World War II wife,” stationed at several army air corps bases throughout the United States. It was at this time Hal and Paula started their family. Their first son, David, was born in Tucson, Ariz. (Marana Air Force Base). After the war, continued education and the lure of the great Pacific Northwest brought them to Oregon State College in Corvallis. Two more sons, Steve and John, were born. Hal and Paula started Holiday Tree Farms, Inc., a Christmas tree and farming business eventually sold to sons Dave, Steve and John. Much of Paula’s life was dedicated to philanthropy and service. Shortly after arriving in Corvallis, she joined the OSU Folk Club. She was president in 1959 and 1960, and was active until 2005. Paula was a two-time president of PEO Chapter S. She joined in 1952, received recognition in 2002 for 50 years of service, and was a current member. She believed deeply in PEO, whose main focus is to assist women with college scholarships. She also belonged to the Corvallis Assistance League for many years. Paula was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Corvallis for 60-plus years! In addition to her service and church work, Paula enjoyed traveling locally, especially to the Oregon coast; she loved the beach, loved to camp out with her family. Later in life, she enjoyed traveling the world. Paula is survived by her sons and their wives, David and Linda Schudel, Steven and Julie Schudel, and John and Dianne Schudel, all of Corvallis. She leaves behind 10 loved grandchildren; 11 loved great-grandchildren; and her sister, Charlotte Jaeger, and her family of Mesa, Ariz. Paula’s love of life, her outgoing and loving personality will be missed by everyone who knew her. We will truly miss her! Memorial contributions in Paula’s name can be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Corvallis, or PEO Chapter S of Corvallis. A celebration of her life will be at 2 pm. Saturday, Feb. 27, at the First Presbyterian Church, 114 S.W. Eighth St., Corvallis.

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Paula Schudel

June 8, 1918 - February 19, 2010