Paula Ann Ruhland, age 72, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2026, at The Pillars Hospice Home in Oakdale. It is with great sadness that we announce her passing.

Paula was born on July 26, 1953, in Litchfield, Minnesota, to John “Jack” and Katherine “Kaye” (Tintes) Ruhland. She grew up in Eden Valley, where she attended Assumption Catholic Elementary School and graduated as salutatorian of the Eden Valley–Watkins High School Class of 1971. Paula continued her education at the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education in December 1974.

Paula never married, and her career was a defining and fulfilling part of her life. While attending college, she worked as a waitress and bartender, developing a strong work ethic and independence early on. After graduating, she began her professional career as an elementary school teacher. She later shifted paths, working through a temporary agency in administrative roles, where her adaptability and intelligence quickly stood out. Paula eventually moved into software sales and training for corporate accounts, a role that combined her teaching skills with her growing expertise in business and technology. Her broad and varied experience culminated in a successful career with Wells Fargo, where she served as Assistant Vice President of Enterprise Change and Incident Management. She worked there until her retirement at age 65, earning the respect of colleagues for her competence, dedication, and leadership

Paula was an intelligent, strong, and independent person. She took pride in her work, adored her dogs, was an avid reader and lifelong learner. She was actively interested in politics and government, a passionate advocate for women’s rights, and held a genuine concern for humanity. Paula was a loyal fan of the Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Twins. She especially cherished time spent with her nieces and nephews, playing cards and sharing in their life adventures. She loved humor and comedy, was herself quite witty, and had an infectious laugh that will long be remembered. Paula will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Those left to cherish her memory include her siblings: Douglas (Diane) Ruhland of Eden Valley; John (Sandy) Ruhland of Minneapolis; Pat (Joyce) Ruhland of Brooklyn Park; Andrea (Paul) Ganske-Ruhland of Beaverton, Oregon; Brenda (Brian) Bianchi of Austin, Texas; Daniel Ruhland of Roseville; James Bofenkamp of Coon Rapids; and her many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.

Paula was preceded in death by her parents

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 7 2026 at the Cremation Society of Minnesota-Minneapolis Chapel, located at 4343 Nicollet Ave S. Minneapolis, MN 55409. Visitation Starting at 1:00 PM, Service at 2:00 PM with refreshments served immediately after.