Paula Lee Rawson

Paula Lee Hanson was born on December 24th, 1950 im Yuma, Colorado to Parents LaVerne and Phyllis Hanson. She was the second of three children in her family. Her older sister Monica Ausmer now resides in Garden City, Missouri; while her younger brother Richard Luster preceded her in death.

Paula went to Yuma High School where she learned to play the saxophone. She loved all types of music, but especially Elvis Presley. She shared that love of Elvis with her mother, Phyllis.

She met her husband, Charles Dale Rawson, also from Yuma, in 1969 and they were married on November 22nd, 1969. They were married for 54 years. Dale and Paula moved to the Denver area the same year they were married and resided mainly in the Thornton area for most of their lives together.

Paula was fortunate to become both a mother and grandmother. Her children are Larry Rawson, Shelly Rawson and Charles Rawson, all raised in Colorado. Larry and Shelly both still live in Colorado; while Charles is now living in Texas with his wife, Stephanie, and her daughters. Shelly's son, Zach, is Paula's grandson and he lives in Bloomington, New Mexico.

Paula suffered from rheumatoid arthritis for most of her life, which didn't allow her to work outside of the home. She did, however, have many hobbies including candy making, designing beaded jewelry, crocheting and reading.

She got into candy making -especially lollipops- in the 1980's and soon that passtime spread to other members of her family, particularly with her sisters-in-law. There were many interesting lollipop flavor combinations created between all of them that the kids were more than happy to sample!

In her later years she found a creative outlet in working with beads to design beautiful jewelry that included watches, earrings, bracelets and necklaces. She was able to sell many of these pieces at craft fairs; as well as giving them as gifts to family and friends.

Paula also enjoyed quiet activities like reading and crocheting. She taught her daughter, Shelly, how to crochet, as well. She loved reading a variety of genres including romance novels.

Dale and Paula also liked to visit Las Vegas and Branson, MO. they would often go to Vegas with other family members to celebrate birthdays. She loved playing slot machines!

She was a huge animal lover who had pets for most of her life. She loved all animals, but especially dogs. Some people believe that dogs can see a person's true colors and Paula was a beautiful soul that all dogs loved and gravitated to. These animals ADORED her! She was a kind, generous person with an infectious laugh and she will be greatly missed by her family and friends.