Mary "Paula" Earven

Mary Alice "Paula" Phillips Earven was born to Joseph Loss Phillips & Eula Phillips, ranchers and farmers in Duncan, AZ, on January 31, 1930.  

She met and married, the only man her father forbad her to date, the love of her life Myge P. "Cowboy" Earven. They ran off to Lordsburg, NM to elope without her family’s knowledge. That night she went home to her parent’s house, afraid to tell them right away.  Together they had two sons and raised a third, who all went on to give them 15 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren, 32 great-great grandchildren and counting.

She was hardworking, loving, and a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  She was a licensed beautician and helped her husband run a ranch and farm of their own, she then spent the later part of her career as a case working helping mentally disable adults.

Paula was a mother and grandmother to any and all that found their way into her home, where the door was always open, covered in Ivy and Honeysuckle, where the smell of homemade waffles filled the morning air. You never knew which family member or friend would show up, but it didn’t matter Grandma Polly was always ready.  Ready with snacks, towels, a good lecture or a switch if she caught you, and always ready to stand on the porch and wave you on when your next stop called.

Paula is survived by her son Jim Earven, her sister Barbara Stailey, and her living legacy of grand, great, and great-great grandchildren.  She is preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Mayble and Margaret, her brother George, her two sons Wayne & Dale, and her grandsons Tanner & Kye.

As gram would say “See you in the funnies...  Love you more”.

Services for Paula will be held on Friday, July 5, 2024 beginning with a viewing at 8:00 a.m. followed by the funeral service at 9:00 at the McDougal's Caldwell Funeral Chapel with concluding services in the Safford Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of McDougal's Caldwell Funeral Chapel & Gila Valley Crematory located at 112 E Main Street, Safford, Arizona.  928-428-1740