Paula Rhian

Paula Jean Rhian (nee Zibell) of Thedford, Nebraska, passed away on Wednesday, August 21 at the age of 76. 

 Paula was born in 1948 in Madison, Wisconsin to Harold and Marjorie Zibell (Nee Macken). After graduating from high school in Loveland, Colorado, she attended Colorado State College, now the University of Northern Colorado, in Greeley, and graduated in 1971 with a degree in elementary education. 

 In 1969 she married her husband, Thomas Woodruff Rhian, while in college. Their first child, Shane, was born in 1970, followed by Jessica in 1975, and Lee in 1980. Paula retired from teaching at Thedford Elementary School after a long career guiding and shaping children in 2016. She also taught at Ballard Marsh and Cascade in Cherry County, and Poughkeepsie Elementary School in Arkansas.

Paula is survived by her ex-husband Thomas, three children, Shane, Jessica, and Lee, four grandchildren, James, Michael, Gabrielle, and Scott, as well as her siblings, Steve, David, Patty, Ted, Rick, Jenny, Hans, and Amy. 

 In her retirement, she enjoyed spending time with her pets, quilting, attending craft shows, volunteering at the art gallery, and watching various British people solve crimes. 

 A Memorial Celebrating her life will be held on Saturday, August 31st, at 2 PM at the Bethel Assembly of God Church in Thedford, NE. Flowers may be purchased from Broken Bow Floral, 308.872.2454. If you prefer to make a donation in lieu of flowers, we would ask that you make a donation to the Thedford Art Gallery, 509 Court Street, Thedford, NE 69166.