Paula Fern (Womack) Barney

Paula Fern (Womack) Barney, 78, of Benson, Arizona, passed away on Friday, January 30, 2026. 

Paula was born on June 20, 1947, in Morenci, Arizona, to James Palmer Womack and Floral Rowena Eldred Womack. Her life and story stretched far beyond any one place, from Big Springs TX, Safford, or Pomerene. Wherever she was, she brought energy, grit, and heart. 

She loved learning and earned an Associate’s Degree in Physical Education from Eastern Arizona College and an Associate’s Degree in Social Services from Pima Community College. More than any degree, Paula’s true education came from people, especially children, and that is where she gave her heart. 

Paula worked as a family counselor and at Benson Union High School, where she loved being around kids and helping families through hard seasons. She also worked side by side with her family in their businesses, doing whatever was needed. She handled bookkeeping, hay cutting and baling, and even driving trucks. Hard work never scared her. One of her proudest honors was receiving a National Award for Foster Care, which reflected how deeply she cared for children who needed a safe place and someone to believe in them. 

Paula was previously married to Leland Kay Barney, and together they built a family and shared many years of life. 

She was always on the move. Paula loved softball, racing, and coaching baseball and wrestling. She was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and her faith showed most clearly in how she treated people. She cared deeply and genuinely, and she showed it by opening her home, her time, and her heart. She fostered many children and made room for anyone who needed it. 

Known to many as Pepper, Paula was full of love, endlessly active, and stubborn to her bones. She had strong opinions, strong hands, and an even stronger heart. If you were hers, you knew it. If you needed her, she showed up. 

She is survived by her siblings Sandra Marie Phillips (Larry), Marvis Rae Gonzalez, Diana Lee Ferguson (Robert), Terrell Eugene Riddle (Ronda), and Jimmy Dale Womack; her children Randal Kay Barney (Debbie), Lance Arthur Barney, Christina Butler (Jason), Ryan Todd Barney (Susan), Lason Jay Barney (Joleen), Daniel Wade Barney (Jennifer), Dustin Drew Barney (Tom), Freddie Hernandez, Rowena Lynn Barney, and David Ray Barney (Caitlin); along with many grandchildren, extended family members, and countless people who were better for having known her.

A viewing will be held on Saturday, February 7, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 10:00 a.m. at the LDS Stake Center on Pomerene Road.

Paula’s life was loud with love, busy with service, and rich with people. She leaves behind a legacy of open doors, strong hands, and a heart that never stopped caring.

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