Paula Deanne Hibner, 63, passed away Friday October 20, 2017 in the comfort of her home.

Paula was born October 20, 1954 in Deming to James and Aletta (Bishop) Yates.

She earned her Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Education at New Mexico State University. Paula was a teacher, specializing in Special Education, and taught at several different schools, including Sunshine Elementary School, Martin Elementary School and Hofacket Mid High in Deming, as well as at Zia Jr. High in Mesilla.

Paula was instrumental in founding My Little School, where she served as teacher and administrator.

Paula was also a Special Education Coordinator with the Deming Public Schools for eight years. Most recently, Paula taught several classes at Western New Mexico University.

She was an active member of the Deming Kiwanis Club, serving previously as club President, and for a term as the district's Lieutenant Governor.

Paula was active in the church as a Sunday School teacher, leader of the Girls in Action and Mission Friends groups, member of the choir, and a host of other charitable and mission activities.

Paula is survived by her husband, Philip Hibner of Deming; sons, Darby Hibner and his wife Stephanie of Las Cruces, Myles Hibner of Albuquerque, Nicklaus Hibner of Merrill, Wisconsin; daughters, Jody Eubanks and her husband J. Keith of Midland, TX, Melanie Maximovich and her husband Marc of Moses Lake, WA, Christalle Hibner of Albuquerque; her parents, James and Aletta Yates of Deming; brother, James Yates and his wife Shelly of Garden City, KS; sister, Donna Whitehead and her husband Mike of Roswell; and 6 grandchildren (Robbie, Valerie, Emily, Finnian, Soledad, and Jimmy).

A memorial service will be held this Saturday, October 28, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Bethel Baptist Church with Pastor Mason Davis officiating. Cremation has taken place at Baca's Mimbres Crematory.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions in Paula's memory be made to the Baptist Children's Home at baptistchildrenshome.org or to the Woman's Missionary Union. Donations to both of these organizations can be made through Bethel Baptist Church (Pastor: Mason Davis) at 700 S. 8th Street, Deming, NM 88030.