Paula Stephanie Guttromson (79) of Spokane Valley passed away on July 13, 2022. This would have been her and her husband’s 59th wedding anniversary.
Paula was born on September 17, 1942 in Spokane, Washington to Paul Gibbert and Neva Gibbert. She graduated from North Central High School. Paula married William Guttromson on July 13, 1963. They had three children, William Benjamin, Kimberly Rochea and Rhonda Jo. She worked various jobs while raising three children. Later she went to work for the State Liquor Board until she retired.
Paula was a wonderful mother, wife, relative, neighbor, and friend. Bill and Paula would often have people living with them and were always helping others. Their house was always open and welcoming to family and friends. She was a wonderful cook and hosted many family and holiday gatherings. Everyone loved her fried chicken dinner. Paula also was a talented seamstress. She sewed beautiful clothes for her children and grandchildren as well as curtains, bedspreads and even Kim’s wedding dress. Later, Paula became an avid quilter, joining many quilting groups and blessing many of us with her beautiful quilts. Bill and Paula enjoyed traveling and had some special trips to South Africa, Norway and Australia. Paula kept very busy after her retirement caring for Bill, reading and book club, hosting bible study, booster club lunches and attending her grandchildren’s activities. She attended every football, soccer, baseball, basketball, softball, and volleyball games as well as dance recitals and plays for her grandchildren. She even skipped church to attend the kids’ games!
Paula was a loving and thoughtful person, who was truthful and dependable. She loved her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and all her friends and family – and they her!
Paula is survived by her son William Guttromson (Joni), daughter Kim Transue (Clint), grandchildren Ben Guttromson, Stephanie Counts (Marshall), Rachael Shovelier (Paul), Joseph Knapp (Grace), Spencer Transue (Mariah), Jillian Transue and Blake Transue, great-grandchildren Aria Maria Shovelier, Ila Stephanie Shovelier, Mason Carner Counts and Della Rochea Shovelier, brothers Tom Rice (Linda) and Rick Rice (Cindy), sister-in-law Beverly Wormington, who took wonderful and loving care of her during her last weeks.
She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bill, and daughter, Rhonda Jo.