Paulla Ann Via, 66, of Pullman, passed away in the early hours of Saturday, October 2, 2021 at Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane, WA. Paulla was born July 19, 1955 in Spokane and grew up in the Spokane Valley, graduating from Opportunity High School, where she was very involved in choir and always loved to sing.

Paulla had a lifelong love of teaching and caring for children. She opened two Montessori Schools in Spokane before moving to Pullman to attend Washington State University where she obtained both a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Early Childhood Development. After graduating, she worked as a private counselor, social worker and supervisor for the Washington State Department of Social and Human Services Child Protective Services in Clarkston, Colfax, and Bellingham. After leaving DSHS, she spent several years living in Atlanta, Georgia before returning to Pullman.

While married to Samuel J. Via, she had two children, Taeya (Jason) Howell of Provo, Utah and Jonathan (Laura) Via of Pullman, Washington.  She also loved Josh (Sharon) Shields of Novi, Michigan, Sam's son from a prior marriage.   Paulla cared deeply for her family and friends, and always tried to help and show how much she valued them.  Paulla loved her seven grandchildren, Amelia, Aliza, Tallulah, Clarice, Bodhi, Suzannah, and Emory so very much.

In retirement, Paulla always had multiple craft and sewing projects she was working on for friends and family.  She was an avid reader and also enjoyed exploring her family genealogy.

Paulla was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Dorothy Scharwat, and her brother Dean. She is survived by her sister, Connie (Michael) Love of Charlotte, NC.  Services will be held on Friday, October 8th at 11AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Pullman.