Paula Hurd, age 82, died in Sturgis, SD on Sunday, November 2, 2025.

Mary Paula Hurd was born on February 11, 1943 in Coffeyville, Kansas to loving parents, Denzil and Mary Aline (Allen) Martin. Paula was born during World War II and received her first ration book of stamps at seven weeks of age. Her mother was able to once again bake her amazing pies because of the extra ration of sugar. Early childhood was heaven despite the war and shortage of almost everything due to the wartime economy. The family, now including a baby brother, moved to South Dakota in 1949. Three happy years were spent at the Rosebud Agency, and then the family moved to Aberdeen, where the family resided for the next 20 years.

After completion of college in 1965, Paula accepted a teaching position in Arizona for three years, and then returned to South Dakota to obtain a Master's Degree. She then accepted a position in the SD Department of Labor for four years. In 1974, she accepted a position in Pierre with the Department of Social Services where she remained until her retirement.

In 1985, she married the love of her life, Maurice Hurd. Maurice's hometown was Sturgis and it was their goal to retire in the Black Hills. The couple moved to Spearfish in 2020 where she lived until her death.

Paula is survived by her husband, Maurice; nephews, Jeff Hurd (Stephanie) Rapid City, Steve Hurd (Kelly) Sioux Falls, and niece, Shelby (Mike) Gruber Denver, CO, and great-nieces and nephews.