Paula Jean Werlein

It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, and aunt, Paula Jean Werlein, who left to her eternal home on Monday, August 25th, 2025, at the age of 55.

Paula was a woman of unmatched strength, wit, and an unapologetic spirit. She had a way of turning even the most difficult moments into something that reflected her incredible resilience. One of the many stories that truly captures her essence is from the time she was robbed at knifepoint. With a blade to her throat, Paula looked the thief dead in the eye and famously said, “Ah shit, I just spent all my money on my cigarettes.” She then told him to follow her home so everyone else in the house could give him some money. That was Paula—unshakable, compassionate, and always keeping a sense of humor, no matter what life threw at her.

Her playful side was just as big as her heart. Paula had a special love for pink roses, which brought her joy and reminded her of the beauty in life’s simplest moments. And she never could resist the thrill of a scratcher ticket. At every white elephant gift exchange, we all knew to keep an eye on her, as she would eagerly try to scratch off the tickets before the game was even over! Her excitement was contagious, and those little moments of joy will always be remembered.

Paula’s light will forever remain in our hearts. We find comfort knowing she lived life on her terms, with a heart full of love, a sense of humor, and a spirit that could never be broken. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Paula is survived by her daughter, Stephanie Ross (Grandchildren Porscha and Julian), her mother Shirley Werlein, siblings Lori Werlien, Michael Werlein (Megan), and Teresa Johnson (Steve), and many of nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her father, Robert D. Werlein, her brother Robert W. Werlein, and her son, Brandon W. Ross.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, 1490 B Street Merced, CA. Burial will follow at Plainsburg Cemetery, 8943 Gillette Avenue Le Grand, CA.