Paula Cochran, 68 / Aug. 16, 1943 — Feb. 6, 2012

Published 11:38 pm Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Paula Cochran, 68
Aug. 16, 1943 — Feb. 6, 2012

Paula L. Cochran, 68, of South St. Joseph Avenue, Niles, died Monday, Feb. 6, 2012, at her son’s home in New Hudson, Mich., following an extended illness.

She was born Aug. 16, 1943, in Niles to Paul and Leona (Leonard) Skalla and graduated from Niles High School in 1961. She was employed by the State of Michigan Department of Social Services (later FIA and DHS), serving as a caseworker in the Berrien County office.

Paula was an avid reader of mystery, crime and history books. She enjoyed flower gardening, traveling to northern Michigan and breakfast gatherings with the Class of ’61. She was a fan of NASCAR, especially the driver Elliott Sadler, and of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Her greatest joy was her grandchildren.

Surviving family includes her children, Christopher Riley of Niles, Jeffery (Sherry) Hayes of Big Rapids, Mich., Steven Hayes of New Hudson and Erin (Joel) Karim of West Bloomfield Township, Mich.; and grandchildren, Nick, Noah, Cameron, Jaden and Giselle.

Services for Paula L. Cochran will be at 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, at Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles with the Rev. Edward H. Slate of Wesley United Methodist Church, Niles, officiating. The family will receive relatives and friends beginning at 2 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

Contributions in memory of Paula may be made to the hospice of the donor’s choice.