Paula Smeltzer

Our beloved wife, daughter, niece, cousin, sister-in-law, teacher, friend, and loyal Spartan, Paula Jo Smeltzer passed away suddenly on Friday, January 8, 2021. God’s angel with wings tipped in Spartan Green came to welcome Paula to the only place she might find more beautiful than the Banks of the Red Cedar. Paula was born in Toledo, Ohio on August 8, 1969, the only child of James and Karen (Savage) Smeltzer. She grew up in Monroe, Michigan and is a 1987 Monroe HS graduate. Paula continued her education at Michigan State University, University of Toledo, Northern Arizona University, and Saginaw Valley State University earning Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Specialist’s degrees in education with a focus in math. Her teaching career began in Chandler, Arizona until she returned “home” to Michigan and started teaching at White Pine Middle School in Saginaw Township in 1999. In over 21 years at White Pine Paula taught math in grades 6-8, coached Destination Imagination, chaired the math department, served as an STEA representative, and impacted many lives. Paula built relationships - the longest of these being the strong, loving bond she had with her mother, Karen. College brought the next long, loving relationship when Paula was watching a basketball game on tv and another student walked into her dorm room, sat down, and watched the game with her. It wasn’t until after the game that Paula and Todd introduced themselves and decided to get a bite to eat. They became the couple who perfectly complemented one another for nearly 32 years. Together, Paula and Todd maintained strong ties with Paula’s cousins; Todd’s siblings and their families; coworkers; and Paula’s students. She was the teacher who was invited to sporting events, graduations, weddings, and baby showers long after her students were out of middle school. Paula and Todd loved attending MSU games, traveling and playing board games with Paula’s mom, family and friends. She was the “Team Mom” for her work team and an insightful decision maker. Her presence in all of our lives and in the MSU cheering section will be sorely missed. Paula is survived by her husband, Todd Rinness; mother, Karen Smeltzer; brothers -in-law and sisters-in-law, Ted Rinness, Peggy (Dennis) Histed, Sally (Donald) Efu, Tom (Joni King) Rinness; several aunts and uncles, many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Paula was predeceased by her father in 1994. Also predeceased by an aunt, several uncles, and her grandparents. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to “White Pine Middle School” library or “Friends of Shiawassee NWR” in honor of Paula Smeltzer. Online guests may leave words of comfort or share a photo by visiting www.allore.com.