Paula Crouch

Paula, our beloved youngest sister, passed away Jan. 8, 2013, a few days short of her 61st birthday, in Mesa, AZ. She succumbed to complications from COPD and lung cancer, both chronic side effects of her lifelong battle with schizophrenia which she contracted shortly after her graduation from Casa Grande Union High School, Class of '72. Paula was the youngest daughter of Leland and Dorothy Helen (Martin) Crouch who were longtime residents of Casa Grande. Helen was part of the large family of George and Opal Martin, renowned early farmers in the Valley, and whose descendants farm here even to this day.
Paula is survived by her sister Linda Teasley of Chandler/Payson, sister Mary Wagoner of Casa Grande, and brother Jim Crouch of Del Mar, CA. She was a favorite of dozens of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews scattered across AZ, CA, TX and the West.
Considering the daunting challenges she faced with mental illness, Paula was an inspiration to us all about how to live a life of humility, patience, love and kindness. She adored being with her large family at gatherings, loved her pets, was a favorite among her fellow assisted-living friends, and yet faced her own suffering with quiet grace. Her's was an unusually heavy burden. She is an example to us all on how to live life gracefully and without complaint. She was also something of a closet card shark, competing with all the great players in the family for honors. And she never met anyone she couldn't sweet talk out of a Coke or a cigarette. But most of all, it was Paula's sweet, ever-present smile which will live on with us: her beautiful, never-ending gift to us all.
Services will be private, and she will be laid to rest alongside her parents at Casa Grande Mountain View Cemetery. May she finally rest in peace.
J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole & Maud The Gardens Chapel is in charge of arrrangements