Paula Dean Fairchild, 86 of Lubbock, formerly of Friona, passed away March 29, 2026 in Lubbock. Viewing and family visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM Friday April 3, 2026 in the Ron Smiley Memorial Chapel of the funeral home with Celebration of Life Graveside Services set for 11:00 AM at Friona Cemetery. Burial following entrusted to HANSARD FAMILY Funeral Home of Friona.

Paula was born on October 9, 1939, to Otis and Athelea Neel, and spent her early years in the Bula, Texas community. She later moved to Friona during her high school years and was a proud graduate of Friona High School, where she met her future husband, Larry "Butch" Fairchild. They were united in marriage on June 10, 1958, beginning a lifelong partnership built on love and and shared values.

Paula and Larry made their first home together in the Friona community. In 1974, they moved to Adrian, where they continued to build their life and put down deep roots. As a devoted homemaker, mother, and farmer's wife, Paula embraced life on the farm and found joy in creating a warm and loving home that served as the foundation for those she cherished most. Paula considered her faith and her family her greatest blessings.

She was an active participant in every community she called home. Paula was a faithful member of the Adrian Church of Christ and the Friona Church of Christ, where she taught the children's Bible classes and generously shared her time and talents. She also served her community in many ways and was honored as Oldham County Woman of the Year. Paula was never idle; she was an accomplished seamstress and quilter, creating more than 200 quilts for friends and family and sharing her skills by teaching quilting classes. She and Larry enjoyed traveling together, especially to their beloved Colorado, and she made lifelong friends wherever she went. In her later years, she returned to Friona, Texas, and lived in Lubbock from 2022 until her passing.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Larry "Butch" Fairchild; her infant son, Larry Dean Fairchild; her parents, Otis and Athelea Neel; her sister, Kay Neel; and her brother, Gerald Neel.

She leaves behind a strong legacy of family, including her three children: Tammy Gammon and husband Mark; Jeffery Fairchild and wife Patty; and Vicki Crain and husband David. She is also survived by eight grandchildren: Heath Gammon, Lori Rutledge, Matt Gammon, Lindsey Tatum, Tyler Fairchild, Logan Fairchild, Caroline Crain, and Miles Crain; as well as eleven great-grandchildren who brought her immense joy.

Paula will be remembered for her strong faith, her enduring love for her family, and the meaningful life she lived in service to others. Her legacy of love will continue to live on in all who knew her.

Memorial gifts may be directed to High Plains Children's Home at https://www.hpch.org/giving.