Paula (Baker) Havlina

December 15, 1938 – January 3, 2025

Paula Jean Havlina, 86, of Connell, Washington, passed away peacefully on January 3, 2025, at home. A loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister, Paula will be remembered for her warmth, generosity, and the deep love she shared with those around her.

Born on December 15, 1938, in Kellogg, Idaho, to Pauline Butler and Frank Baker, Paula grew up in a close-knit family that instilled in her the values of hard work and dedication. Her mother came from a line of early Maine pioneers with the surnames Butler, Robbins and Gowing who changed the future of early America serving in the military, state legislatures and local government; as well as late 19th century German immigrants with the names Geiger, Raichlin and Shafer. Locally Paula's mother, Pauline was the Connell barber and served the community for over forty years.

Paula's father Frank came from a line of English and German settlers yearning for life in the Wild West, he worked construction as a carpenter for all of the local dams including Lower Monumental. Through her mother's side she was also descended from Thomas Fields, the namesake of Fields Springs State Park near Asotin, Washington who was an early Oregon trail pioneer. Together, her parents also owned the former Burger Factory when it was known as Baker's Drive In.

She later moved to the Connell area in 1943, where she met and married the love of her life, Joseph Frank Havlina Jr., on August 31, 1957. She had just graduated in the class of 1957 in Connell. Together, Paula and Joe moved to Davis, California while Grandpa Joe went to UC Davis. Together, they raised a family and shared nearly seven decades of love, faith, and partnership.

Paula was a hardworking and dedicated member of the Connell community, where she contributed to several local businesses, including Western Farm Service, USDA at Lamb Weston, and Arlene's Flowers. Her career was a testament to her strong work ethic and her deep connection to the community she cherished.

A beloved sister, Paula is survived by her sister Frances (Baker) Krug; her children, Joel Frank (Valerie) Havlina and Sheri Lynn (John) Phillips; nine grandchildren; and thirteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Pauline and Frank, and her beloved husband, Joseph, who passed away in September 2024.

Paula's greatest joy was her family, and she will be remembered for the love she gave them, her quiet strength, and her unwavering faith. Her legacy of kindness, compassion, and devotion will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

She was a member of Gideon Lutheran Church in Connell, the P.E.O. and the American Legion Auxiliary. She was a Girl Scout and Cub Scouts leader and a respected Sunday School teacher. She cared deeply about the friendships she made and those she fostered at church and beyond. Her harvest meals were incredibly memorable and warmly welcomed by those working for the Havlina Ranch during wheat harvest.

A service will be held at Gideon Lutheran Church on January 18, 2025 at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gideon Lutheran Church and the P.E.O.