Paula Marie Rule

LINDEN – Paula Marie Rule, age 73, passed away on Thursday September 5, 2024, at home surrounded by her loving family. She was born on October 20, 1950; the daughter of Paul and Naomia (Wagner) Zimmerman. Paula was raised on the family farm along with her siblings, where she became an expert potato planter and picker.  She graduated from Iowa-Grant High School in 1968.

On March 7, 1970, Paula married William “Will” Rule in Mineral Point. They shared 52 years of love and laughter. Together they cultivated a life filled with love and hard work. They farmed together, raising beef cattle and hogs, although there were always a variety of animals who came and went on the farm. Paula’s gentle presence attracted creatures of all kinds, and she found joy nurturing them on the farm.

Paula instilled in her children and grandchildren the values of dedication and perseverance that she learned throughout her life. She was a natural teacher and enjoyed her time serving as a 4-H leader for the Bloomfield Buddies, where she shared her love of sewing and leather crafts with many children. Although the farm was her true passion, Paula spent some time working off the farm over the years.  She was the warm smile and welcoming presence and the Dodgeville Kwik-Trip, and she also spent many years in the hemming department at Lands’ End.

She had a soft spot in her heart for her grandsons and always spoiled them. They created many memories on the farm from bottle feeding calves, raking hay, attending beef cattle shows, to enjoying Paula’s perfect cinnamon toast. In her younger years, Paula liked to go bowling and looked forward to many gambling trips with her mom and sister. They even experienced the ultimate gambling trip on a vacation to Las Vegas.

Paula and Will’s farm was a true sanctuary for many families and friends over the years. She always made sure the coffee was hot and ready to serve, no matter what time of day or night. If you wanted to stop in and visit over a cup, the door was always open. Paula treasured the many family holidays spent on the farm and especially looked forward to Christmas, where she was guaranteed to serve her famous oyster stew. Paula was truly an angel here on earth and will continue to be a guardian angel to those she leaves behind as she now joins her beloved soulmate, Will.

Paula is survived by her two daughters, Angela (Tim Kaiser) Udelhofen and Joyel Rule; four grandsons: Hunter Hubbard, Zander Simenson, Callin Udelhofen, and Casen Udelhofen; brother, Kevin (Colleen) Zimmerman; sister, Wendy Rickard; brother in-law, Charley (Betty) Rule; sister in-law, Rhoda (Kurt) Rule; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, William Rule; her parents; and brother, Randy Zimmerman.

Paula's family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you all of the care staff with Upland Hill's Hospice. Their care and compassion for Paula in the past days will not soon be forgotten.