Biography: Paula Jean Bennett Schmidt, 68, of Little Rock, Arkansas, passed away on February 5, 2025. She was born in Memphis, Tennessee on March 5, 1956 to Betty Jean Sain Bennett and Walter Clarence Bennett, both of whom preceded her in death.
After graduating from Hendrix College with a BA in English and the University of Arkansas with a Masters in Business, Paula married Philip Warren Schmidt on November 28, 1981. Paula and Phil became not merely partners in life; they were also business entrepreneur partners as they ran multiple, successful businesses together. Most of all they were partners in raising their three boys – who gave Paula a rich life filled with love and laughter. She especially loved spending time at Lake Hamilton with the boys as she watched them grow from boys to men. Her favorite evenings were those entertaining guests for the horse races and suppers followed by watching summer sunsets at the lake with family and friends. Her heart belonged to Lake Hamilton where she had so many cherished memories.
Paula's love for her family was the center of her life; however, in addition, Paula had several interests that gave her life fulfillment. She loved animals all her life; dogs and horses particularly brought a joy to her heart. On at least one occasion, Paula made sure that a person in need also had food for his dog. Paula loved going to the races at Oaklawn but also dreamed of going to the Royal Ascot in England, and in 2018, her dream came true as she and Suzy, her sister, donned special Ascot finery and lovely hats, watched the races, and waved to the Queen. This epitomized her love of travel. The family traveled often as she led them to new adventures; one of their favorites was with 30-A which she started when the boys were young. Paula felt a call to support church and civic organizations, especially Holy Souls Catholic Church, Catholic High School for Boys, and Children's Hospital.
Paula leaves her husband Phil, her sister Suzy of Dallas, her three sons: Dr. Bennett Warren Schmidt of Dallas, Philip Greer Schmidt (Mary Catherine) of Fayetteville, and Thomas Walter Clifton Schmidt of Little Rock. She also leaves her four-year-old granddaughter Marian Caroline Schmidt of Fayetteville. In addition, she leaves in-laws, cousins, nieces, and Jet, her dog.
A mass of Christian burial will be held at Our Lady of Holy Souls Catholic Church, on Thursday, February 13, 2025 at 11 a.m. followed by interment in the Holy Souls Columbarium.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Holy Souls Catholic Church, Catholic High School for Boys, or any local animal rescue shelter of your choice. Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com
Your friends, Michael & Sheri Long, made a donation to the Society in memory of Paula. These donations are a blessing to the Society and greatly helps us continue our mission to assist the abused, neglected and abandoned animals of Garland County.
Once again from everyone at HSGC, we extend our condolences for your loss.