Paula Riker

Paula Christensen Weathers- Riker went to her heavenly home on the morning of Oct. 4, 2023, at the age of 87.

Visitation will be Friday, Oct. 13, from 5 to 7 p.m. and a funeral service Saturday, Oct. 14, at 10 a.m., both at Riley Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in the Rock Church Cemetery in Cranfills Gap.

Paula was born in Cranfills Gap in her Grandma Bettie’s home on March 31, 1936. Her parents were Paul Muller Christensen and Amy Hazel Larson.

She grew up on the family farm at Cranfills Gap along with her brother Gwyn. She was an avid basketball and volleyball player in high school.

She married James Edward Weathers on March 14, 1953. They had two daughters, Sherry Lynn Busby and Kerrie Lee Barnet. She later married Hugh Riker on March 11, 1989.

She worked for Hamilton National Bank for many years and was a Real Estate Owner/Broker of Southwest Realty. She later became an educator for 23 years at Hamilton Independent School District, where she touched and changed many lives. To know her was to love her.

In her spare time she loved photography and painting. Her thoughtfulness and kindness toward others was always a card in the mail. She never missed birthdays, anniversaries, just thinking of you or any holiday.

One of her heart’s desires was to be able to go to Israel and get baptized in the Jordan. That desire became a reality and dream come true.

Her children and grandchildren were her pride and joy, and she lit up every time she talked about them.

She is preceded in death by her parents, spouse Hugh Riker, brother Gwyn Christensen and daughter Sherry Busby.

Paula is survived by her daughter Kerrie Barnet and husband Gene, grandson Brandon Barnet and wife Ashley, and great granddaughter Mara Marie; grandson Bryson Barnet and wife Ryana, grandson Jacob Barnet and fiancé’ Sullivan Wilke; grandson Josh Weathers and wife Brandi; and sister-in-law Teresa Christensen.

Memorial gifts may be made to the maintenance fund for the Rock Church.