Paula Stirman

Paula Dever Stirman, passed away at her home on April 13th, 2022.

Paula was born in Big Spring, Texas on March 19, 1943

to Robert Lee Dever and Iola Goodman Dever. Paula grew up in many communities across New Mexico as her father Robert worked for Armstrong Construction Company building roads across the state. When Paula was in high school, her family moved to the Bonito, then Capitan, until finally moving into Ruidoso in 1960. Paula graduated from Ruidoso High School in 1961.

It was in Ruidoso where she met Reed Stirman. After refusing multiple offers to go out on a date with Reed, someone bet Reed five dollars to ask Paula out one more time and she accepted. They went to the movies at the Mt View Drive-In Theater and have been together ever since. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on April 7th, shortly before her passing.

Reed and Paula made Ruidoso their home and lived in the same house for 52 years.

For a short time, Paula sold real estate, worked as a school secretary, and as a stay-at-home mom. Paula was always known for her amazing sense of fashion and that is where she found her true calling. She spent many years working in local retail locations including A Place in the Sun, You’nique, and finally at Tricia’s.

Paula is preceded in death by her father, Robert, and mother, Iola. She is survived by her husband, Reed; her son Brett Stirman of Hobbs NM; daughter Dahn Freed and her husband Dirk of Ruidoso; and son Todd Stirman of Ruidoso; her grandchildren Jared Stirman, Samuel Freed, Kalen Freed, and Zachary Stirman, and one great grandchild, Chevelle Stirman; her brother, Bobby Dever of Colorado Springs, Colorado and a sister, Linda Gair of Tehachapi, California.

Paula fought a hard, long battle with cancer for 7 years. It was only recently that she began to lose that fight. The family would like to extend a sincere thanks to Encompass Hospice Care and the Hospice Foundation. These two organizations provided the family a great deal of support and compassion over the past six months and would not have been able to get through this challenging time without their support. In lieu of any flowers, the family would ask that you consider a donation to the Ruidoso Hospice Foundation in order to support other patients and their families.