Paula Marie Litz

Paula Marie (Vayre) Litz 

Aug. 28, 1956 – Aug. 10, 2024 

Paula Marie (Vayre) Litz (Grandma La La), age 67, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, August 10, 2024, with her loving family by her side. Born in Bay City, MI; Paula Marie was the second daughter and the third of ten children to James and Mary (Foley) Vayre. A graduate of Bay City Central High School in 1974; Paula went on to earn a Bachelor's degree in Business and Public Administration from the University of Arizona and a Master's degree in Education from Chapman College. 

Paula enlisted in the Women's Army Corp. and began basic training immediately after graduating high school in 1974. Paula Marie served as a Military Police officer and was first stationed in Pusan Korea, which propelled her into a distinguished career in civil service. 

After her time with the U.S. Army; Paula embarked on a career with the US Government. She began as a Special Agent with the IRS criminal task force division and later became Homeland Securities first female Air Marshal after the September 11th terror attacks on N.Y. City. She ended her distinguished career as a special assistant to the Inspector General (IG) for the department of Housing and Urban Development, where she found great pride in constructing quarterly department updates that were presented to Congressional Committees. 

Paula was known for her commitment and dedication to her work. After retirement she forged another successful career as a real estate agent in Green Valley, AZ. There she was able to grow deep roots, love, and connections with many people within the community. 

Outside of her professional achievements, Paula had a deep passion for baking. Finding joy in creating delicious treats for her family and friends; She truly knew how to expand your mind and your waistline. She loved spending endless hours at the casino with her mom and found great happiness in the company of her beloved cat, Dexter. Paula will be remembered for her bravery, courage, intelligence, kind heart, stubbornness and dedication. She will be forever cherished, celebrated and deeply missed by all who knew her. 

Paula is survived by her loving son Joshua Litz and her cherished grandchildren: Imani, Elijah, and Qwestin Litz. She also leaves behind her beloved siblings: Michelle Vayre, Steve & Sherri Vayre, Jon & Terese Vayre, Lisa Vayre, Danielle Vayre & Jim Huset, and Vanessa & Dave Ulmer, many nieces, and many nieces/nephews, other family members and friends. 

She is preceded in death by her husband David Litz, parents; James and Mary Vayre, as well as her siblings: Brian Vayre, Lynette Selthofner, and Jenee (Royce) Herbolsheimer (Bob) McKenzie; niece Danielle Ulmer and nephew AJ Herbolsheimer. 

Special Thanks to Mathew and Regina Beem and Agape Hospice Care. 

A memorial service honoring Paula’s life will be held on December 19, 2024, at 3:00pm at Lo Agaves Restaurant, 1451 S. La Canada Dr., Green Valley 85622.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to The Animal League in Green Valley, The Salvation Army, or any organization dedicated to assisting U.S. Veterans in Paula’s memory