Paula M. Edwards

Paula M. Edwards, 70, passed away peacefully and unexpectedly on Tuesday, October 22, 2019 at her home in Rochester, MN. Paula was born January 2, 1949 in Kimball, Nebraska, the daughter of Jerome and Marjorie (Frost) Minnick. As a child her family moved throughout the states and settled in Wichita, Kansas during her high school years. It was there at Southeast High School in Wichita, Kansas where she met her future husband, William Edwards. Paula attended the University of Kansas in Elementary Education, and it was during their summer break that Paula and William were wed on June 2, 1969 in Wichita, KS. They moved to Kansas City, where she taught sixth grade for 6 years and Bill continued his studies in medical school. They resided a year each in St. Paul, MN and Cincinnati, OH, where she accepted a position with IBM. In 1978, they made Rochester, MN their home. She continued to work for IBM until the birth of their daughter, Lindsay. Paula had a passion for learning and education. She earned master's degrees in Special Education and in Gifted and Talented. She was instrumental in the administration at Schaeffer Academy in Rochester, MN serving as Headmaster (1994-2000), as 7th grade Science teacher, and Special Projects Coordinator. Paula especially loved spending time with her grandchildren and using that time for not only entertainment and fun but learning and education. She was an active participant at Autumn Ridge Church, served on the BVE Association Board, and volunteered at Rochester Food Shelf. She enjoyed MN history through the Rochester Continuing Education Program and "Book Club" with her group of friends. She is survived by her husband, Dr. William D. Edwards of Rochester, MN; daughter, Lindsay (Nathan) Davis of Eden Prairie, MN; three grandchildren, Jonas, Sonja and Emmett. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Leanne Hanson. A visitation will be held 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday, October 28, 2019 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN 55901. A memorial service will be held at Autumn Ridge Church, 3611 Salem Road SW, Rochester, MN, 55902 on Tuesday, October 29, 2019 at 11:00 a.m., followed by a luncheon. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Schaeffer Academy General Fund, 2700 Schaeffer Lane NE, Rochester, MN 55906 or to a favorite charity. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Edwards family; to share a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com