Paula Wenell
06/23/1944 – 04/12/2022
Paula Wenell (Hayes) left this earth to be with the Lord on April 12, 2022. She was greeted in heaven by her father (Manuel “Bud”), mother (Barbara), brother Phil, and sister Phyllis. She was born in 1944 in Weed, CA. She graduated from King’s Garden HS in 1962. She met her husband Gary while attending Western Baptist Bible College. In 1972, they relocated up to Washington to pastor Lynnwood Baptist Church. In 1986, they relocated to Salem Oregon to lead Faith Baptist Church, then led the church First Baptist Church of Newport, Oregon.
In 1990, Paula earned her Bachelor’s degree from Corbin University, and in 1998 earned her Master’s degree from George Fox University in Marriage and Family Therapy. This work led her to become a college professor at several Oregon Universities. Paula accomplished all of this while raising her children as well as providing a safe haven for numerous foster children over the years. Many of whom she and Gary welcomed into the family through adoption.
They eventually moved back to Everett, Washington to be closer to family and lifelong friends. She had numerous hobbies, including being a master gardener, art, calligraphy, and music.
Paula is survived by her husband Gary, sisters Connie and Ruth, and her ten children and their spouses. She has many grandchildren and one great granddaughter.
Paula was a faithful woman who loved the Lord, her family, her church, and community. She had a smile that could light up a room. Her radiant personality will be missed by everyone she touched.
