Ezra "Ezzie" Pauley was born in Milwaukee, WI, on December 26, 1926. He was the youngest of six children born to William and Molly (Ninstihl) Pauley. William and Molly were "Volga Germans," people of German ancestry who farmed the Volga River Valley in Russia. They immigrated to the United States to escape the genocide of Volga Germans perpetrated during the Bolshevik Revolution.

When Ezra was six months old, his family moved to the Vale area to farm in the Belle Fourche River Valley. Ezra's childhood memories included his experience transporting German prisoners of war to work in the beet fields during his teen years. He graduated from Vale High School in 1944.

For several years following graduation, Ezra did contract trucking work. Ezra was a definite "people person" and an accomplished storyteller. Many of his most entertaining stories were based on his trucking adventures.

Betty Jean Seitz and Ezra were married at the Lutheran Church in Sturgis on November 11, 1950.

The couple spent five years farming the Pauley homestead, raising corn, alfalfa, oats, and tending a small flock of sheep. After some early success, the sheep business became something of habit. In 1955, Betty and Ezra purchased the Seitz homestead, moving in to the home built by Betty's father in 1933.

Betty and Ezra welcomed sons, Greg and Randy, into their family in 1952 and 1956, respectively. The couple's children and grandchildren were the source of their greatest pride and happiness.

Ezra, 89, passed away peacefully at his home near Vale on March 1, 2016.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Betty; son, Greg (Amy) and grandson, Ethan (Sarah); son, Randy (Pat) and grandchildren, Isaac (Jackie), Eva, and Cessy (Brian); great-grandchildren, Edie and Faith; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ezra was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Adam (Kate); and sisters, Hannah (Dave) Lungren, Esther (Ray) Rivinoja, Rose (Harry) Komes, and Ella (Jim) Seitz.

Ezra will be laid to rest in the Vale Cemetery during a private family gathering.

Those who wish to honor Ezra's memory may do so by performing an act of kindness for someone in need, or by making a donation to Hospice of the Northern Hills.