Paula Gail Hartz, born in Walnut Hill Arkansas passed from this life to be with the Lord on Monday, May 6th. Paula began her career of helping others in 1984 with a degree of Social Work from the University of Arkansas. However, after her first internship in the medical setting, Paula discovered a passion for nursing and quickly became Paula Hartz, RN. Paula was both a social worker and RN, giving her a unique perspective into patient care. Paula started her career at Washington Regional Medical Center in 1980. Paula started her nursing career on the Cardiology unit, night shift. She was an RN on the Vascular Access team, Emergency Room Department, Case Manager, and Ward Clerk for the ICU. She then became Director of Nursing for Washington Regionals Geriatric Psychiatric facility. From there, Paula obtained her Master’s degree in Hospital Administration. The culmination of her career was becoming Director of Hospice and Home Health and designing and building the Willard Walker Hospice Home with the support of the Hospice board. Paula spent countless hours pouring over every detail of the hospice home ensuring patients and their families would have every amenity they could possibly need. Paula finished her career with CareIV Home Health network that supported her so greatly during and after her diagnosis. The number of patients and patient families she touched over her career will never be known, but the impact is great. Although Paula had an immensely successful career. The light of Paula’s life were her two daughters, Kirsten and Julia. Paula never missed a dance performance, school party, or opportunity to support her girls. Paula felt so fortunate that she was able to witness her girls find and marry wonderful husbands. Paula was never so proud as when Kirsten obtained her Master’s degree in Speech Pathology and when Julia was accepted into UAMS College of Physical Therapy. Paula and Jim worked tirelessly raising their girls, and she found peace in knowing that they raised two strong, intelligent, kind women. Paula will always be remembered by her infectious laugh and sparkling brown eyes. Paula loved life and loved her family deeply. Paula was not finished living, she was still laughing and finding joy in all her days. Paula is preceded in death by her father John Carter. Paula is survived by her husband of 35 years, Jim Hartz of Fayetteville, her daughters and sons-in-law, Kirsten and Grayson Halladay of Phoenix Arizona, Julia and Zach Hixson of Fayetteville. Her mother Betty Carter of Paris Arkansas, siblings Stan Carter (wife Duska) of Batesville, Janice Vernon (husband Dale) of Springdale, and Douglas Carter of Mount Magazine. And two special Uncles, Bill Young of Altus and Howard Young (wife Inez) of Atkins. Paula is survived by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews that she loved dearly, and countless friends she has made over a lifetime. Visitation will be held 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Friday May 10, 2019 at Nelson-Berna Funeral Home. Funeral Service will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday at Nelson-Berna Funeral Home with burial to follow at Fairview Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to the Willard Walker Hospice Home 325 E Longview Drive, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72703 in honor and the hard work and love Paula poured into the building and mission of hospice. To sign the online guest book visit www.nelsonberna.com To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Paula Gail Hartz please visit our Sympathy Store.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Paula Gail Hartz October 1 1957 May 6 2019.
Death notice for the town of: Fayetteville, state: Arkansas