Paula Jo Ross went to be with her Lord January 14, 2026, with her husband, Tim, by her side.  She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Paula was born to Paul and Eleanor Klindt on July 26, 1946, in Davenport, Iowa.  Her favorite childhood memory was ice skating with her dad in Vander Veen Park. She graduated from Central High School in 1964 and was president of the first girls 4-H club in Davenport.  She married Dr. James Burns in 1966 and after spending time in Alaska and T or C, NM, she made a home in Las Cruces for her family and worked with Dr. Burns in his chiropractic clinic.  They divorced in 1981.  Paula joined the staff of Animal and Range Sciences, New Mexico State University as a report layout typist.  She met Dr. Tim Ross, an assistant Professor of Animal Science.  They married on November 25, 1983. Paula transferred to the Plant Sciences Department as an administrative assistant for the department head. During her career, she received the Outstanding Classified Staff award from the College of Agriculture and Home Economics as well as the NMSU Star award. She retired in 2005.   Paula loved her family and was very proud of each of her children and grandchildren.  To her grandchildren Paula was 'Gagaw'.  She also loved the Chicago Cubs.  She was a third generation Cubs fan. While looking for a new house, she asked the realtor if she could get WGN tv at the location before a decision could be made.  In fact, Tim had to become a Cubs fan before being accepted into the family. Paula also enjoyed knitting.  She knitted 50 infant caps for a program initiated by President George Bush (43) and 40 shawls for the residents of the tent city at the Community of Hope.   Paula was a member of the University United Methodist Church serving as an usher and participated in the annual Vacation Bible School.

Paula is survived by her husband, Tim; daughters, Jennifer Burns, Michelle Burns Cogdill (Donnie); sons Charles Burns (Darien Pruitt) and Thomas Burns (Melissa Connell); grandchildren Katelynn Bolin, Kayleigh (Bolin) Briggs (Wyatt), Robby Burns; step grandchildren John Cogdill ( Rebecca), Michael Cogdill (Rejini), Kristi Hayes (Brian) and their families; and Brother, Steve Klindt (Mary).

Paula was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Eleanor Klindt and her sister, Pam Gerdts.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday January 30, 026 at 11:00 A.M. at the University United Methodist Church, 2000 S Locust Street. Inurnment and Rite of Committal will conclude at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens, 5140 W. Picacho Avenue.

The family would like to express their thanks to the staff of Mesilla Valley Hospice for the loving care given to Paula.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Dr. Timothy and Paula Ross Endowment, NMSU Foundation or the University United Methodist Church.

Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels of Las Cruces and Sunset Crematory, 527-2222. Your exclusive provider for "Veterans and Family Memorial Care." For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com