Paula Laws

Paula Nelson Laws was born on February 2, 1955, in Roosevelt, Utah to Dale W Nelson and Dona Rae Hall. She was the second of 6 children. She grew up on a small-town farm and radiated a lively spirit, innate warmth, and a natural skillfulness in a variety of interests.

She fondly spoke of living for brief periods in Coalville and Heber, UT but spent most of her youth in Roosevelt. In her youth, Paula participated in 4H, Drill Team, Debate Team, sewing competitions, and Drama Club. Her participation in beauty pageants included one-woman skits and a top 10 finish in the Miss Utah Pageant as “Miss Congeniality”. When she was 13 years old, she and her siblings were sealed to their parents in the Salt Lake City temple.

She graduated from Union High School in Roosevelt and then from Dixie College with an associate degree in theater. The highlight of college was her participation on the President’s Executive Council, where she had the opportunity to host the president of her church, Spencer W. Kimball, and have lunch with NBA star, Thurl Bailey.

On a whim, Paula left with a friend to settle in Salt Lake City, where she soon met Asa Laws. They were sealed September 2, 1976, in the Manti, Utah Temple. While Asa finished his master’s degree, she worked in a real estate office, managed apartment complexes, and welcomed their first child. After Asa’s graduation, they moved around New Mexico, finally settling in Santa Fe in 1986, where they raised their four children.

Paula’s talents were numerous and diverse, unless it involved a computer. She excelled at sewing, tailoring Asa’s suits and making clothes, wedding dresses, prom dresses for friends, and many other creations. Many received quilts from her upon graduation or marriage. She could sing and craft, had superb decorating taste, made flower arrangements (sometimes making corsages and boutonnieres for every teenager in the ward), was a photographer, avid reader, and lover of silly shows. Her creativity even extended into the variety of wonderful ways she could sabotage or lose board games (often in big ways). She was also a fantastic gardener, her front yard was always a beautiful display, and she loved to throw parties, sometimes having “shindigs” for the entire ward. She was known for her wisdom, sense of humor, and contagious laugh.

Two significant parts of her life were teaching piano and painting. She taught piano lessons for 35 years and loved her students. Painting was one of her greatest joys and talents. She worked hard to perfect her craft, and her paintings were often created with someone specific in mind. Last Christmas all her children and grandchildren received a card with an original hand painted watercolor. Her family is very proud of her artwork.

Paula’s biggest priority was her role as a wife and mother, and she was known for keeping a home that was clean, efficient, comfortable, and welcoming for all. She was an excellent cook and could get any stain out of your clothing. She cherished her 17 grandchildren, whose favorite memories of her include painting, crafting, reading, dancing in the living room, and playing games. She was proud of every accomplishment they achieved and through modern technology interacted with them almost daily.

A devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Paula served in a variety of leadership positions and was known for her musical talents. She influenced the lives of countless teenagers during her 12 years as an early morning Seminary teacher. Since 2005 she has served as an LDS Social Service Missionary, working with women in the addiction recovery program. She was also the ward organist, and, if you got to church early enough, you may have been treated to Bach and other classical works.

The greatest legacy Paula left was her profound commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She attended the temple, often weekly, and diligently studied the scriptures and worked hard to apply the principles she learned. Paula made many mistakes and experienced many hurts, but she knew that through the atonement of Jesus Christ she could receive forgiveness, forgive others, and find peace. She is an example of reliance on Jesus Christ as our Savior, the provider of comfort and peace, and the only source of joy, love, and eternal life. Her children do not doubt that their mother knew!   

Paula Laws was a vivacious and dynamic influence. She made the world a more beautiful place. She left a legacy of pianists, quilts, paintings, friendships, 12 step program graduates, and testimonies of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the homes and lives of the people she loved and served. 

She passed away early in the morning on January 27, 2024, 6 days short of her 69th birthday, after suffering a stroke in her home the night before.

Paula is proceeded in death by her father and mother, Dale and Dona Rae Nelson. She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Asa Laws, and her 4 children and 17 grandchildren: Julian and Ashley Laws of Las Cruces, NM (Morgan 19, Asa 16, Aubrey 14, Brandon 11, Josiah 9, Beckett 1); Brian and Tia Laws of Rio Rancho, NM (Lydia 18, Benjamin 16, Declan 13); Bradford and Katherine Laws of Sahuarita, AZ (Ruth 15, William 13, Claire 11, Finan 6); Kristen and Nathaniel Nevins of Cedar City, Utah (Joseph 16, Daniel 14, Jacob 10, Logan 6). She is also survived by 3 sisters and 2 brothers: Annette (Nile) Mathison of Ballard, Utah; Jodie (Daniel) Crozier of Ioka, Utah; Peggy Lemon of Ioka, Utah; Anthon (Becky) Nelson of Evanston, WY; Terry (Deann) Nelson of Ioka, Utah.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, February 3rd at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 410 Rodeo Road, Santa Fe NM. A receiving line will begin at 9:30am, followed by the memorial service at 11:00. It can also be viewed on Zoom https://zoom.us/j/93358062855