Paula Mae Olivas

Paula died peacefully in her home the morning of Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at the age of 81 years.  She is survived by her sister, Karen Reyes and her husband, Leo, of Tularosa, NM; her brother, Darryl Neff of Dallas, TX; her four children, Nicole Sigala of Moriarity, NM, Rochelle Tarin of Columbus, OH, Bryan Tarin and his wife, Christina Werthe of Encinitas, CA, and Chantel Tarin Scrase and her husband, David, of Placitas, NM, six grandchildren (Joshua, Brandi, Trey, Jaycob, Ashton, and Jodhan), and five great-grandchildren (Zaraya, Zoe, Zayden, Lotus, and Layla).  Paula was born August 1, 1944 in Quantico, Virginia to Paul and Mae Stanley Neff. She spent most of her childhood living in Pennsylvania, and was  baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on December 13, 1958 in Reading, Pennsylvania.  Her family moved to Alamogordo, New Mexico in January, 1960. She graduated from Alamogordo High School in 1962 and moved to Roswell, New Mexico where she met her husband, Nestor. Paula had an adventurous spirit and a lifelong love of learning. She especially loved languages and studied both Spanish and Mandarin. Her curiosity about the world took her across the globe, including memorable visits to China, Peru, and Colombia. She especially treasured her annual spring trips to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, with her daughter and family.  Above all, Paula was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She found her greatest joy in spending time with her family, laughing, sharing stories, and making memories with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her love extended to her loyal dogs and the turtles she adored caring for.Paula’s warmth, intelligence, and faith touched everyone who knew her. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all whose lives she graced.