Paula Jo Bates, cowgirl, animal activist, and freedom lover was born July 6, 1944. She was part of a large homesteading family who came to the Estancia Valley at the turn of the twentieth century-great grandparents Charlie and Susie Seaman, and grandparents Albert and Maude Irvin, and her mother Rema Bates. As a youngin’ Paula cared for dogs and rode her mares, played with cousins in her Uncle Ike’s barn, delivered papers to locals on her bike, and helped her mother at the Sangri-La Motel in Moriarty.

A 1963 graduate of Moriarty High School, Paula was a self-described “horse crazy” tomboy. Levi’s, Wrangler’s, western shirts and boots was her outfit of choice, and she was most comfortable around western saddles, bridles and Navajo horse blankets. She

Reveled in watching horse shows in Albuquerque, where she would spend all day observing all the different breeds of horseflesh.

Paula was employed by the National Park Service—perfect for her so she could have horses, dogs, endless space, and nature close at hand. She was one of a handful of women trained as seasonal park guides at Grand Canyon National Park. From there Paula’s tour of duty took her to Navajo National Monument where she was administrator and park interpreter. Paula transferred to Fort Davis National Historic Site in 1974, retired in 1998, and came home to Moriarty and her family.

Exceptionally close to her grandma and mother, Paula always took off time from her NPS work to care for her family. She was fiercely loyal to those she loved. Her list of beloved critters included: Pancho, Kasavubu, Tippy, Candy, Tutti-Fruiti,, Miss Muffet, CW Repeat, the Emilies, Lilly, Puddles, Snookie and Pig, various cats, rabbits, and skunks.

Paula was preceded in death by her Grandma Maude Irvin, Mother Rema Bates, two sisters and their husbands: Wyoma McComb and Choppo, Sammie Pachta and Noel, nephew Todd Bates, and great-niece Michelle McComb.

Paula is survived by one brother, Charles Bates. Nieces and nephews are Susie McComb, Tina Harrison (Ken), Allyn Summa (Bill), Glen Pachta, Russell McComb (Meredith), Bruce Pachta, and Steven Bates (Jennifer). Special thanks to those who so generously aided Paula in her later years: Beehive Homes of Edgewood, Luna del Valle Hospice (thank you Sue!), great niece Audra Williams, Steve Bates and Allyn Summa.

Paula’s spirit left the earth quietly, gently and humbly on September 17, 2026. She is now free to ride her special mare, Mischief, for as long as she wants, wherever she wants. As per her instructions, there will be no service. Paula never wanted anyone to make a fuss over her.

 “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”