Claudia Jo Pauling

Claudia Jo Pauling, 81, passed away peacefully in her sleep on October 9th, 2023.  

Claudia was born Claudia Jo Nichols on May 1st, 1942, in Williams, Arizona to Claude and Jody Nichols.  She had one brother (Nicky) that was three years younger.  Claudia’s family lived in Williams until she finished second grade. The story has it, her father on impulse bought a tavern in Boulder City, NV when the tavern owner would not cash his check.  They resided in Boulder City until Claudia finished sixth grade and her father decided to pursue another business venture in Tucson, AZ.  Claudia attended 7th through 10th grade in Tucson where she spent much of her time socializing and became a member of her high school golf team. Halfway through high school Claudia’s parents decided that she should attend a woman’s collegiate preparatory school in Claremont, California where she graduated at the top of her class.

Claudia attended the University of Arizona where she studied foreign language and English and was a member of Tri Delta social sorority. She was an excellent student and became fluent in Spanish. During one of her summer breaks, while visiting her mother in Williams, Claudia met John Aleman, a young man whose family was in the sheep ranching business. She married John in 1961 and had two children – John III and Heidi Jo. Claudia loved the ranching lifestyle and immersed herself in her husband’s family business by helping with the sheep, handling the bookkeeping, assisting the needs of the employees and caring for her family. When her children were in elementary school Claudia facilitated field trips for her children’s classmates to visit the ranch and participate in the sheering of sheep, which was always a big celebration for family and friends. During her ranching years, Claudia was also an active member of the Arizona Wool Growers Auxiliary.

In 1982, Claudia married the love of her life, Ed Pauling.  They lived in Lakeside, Arizona where they built their log home from the ground up. Claudia was an avid gardener, and her home is still a masterpiece of flowers and gardens today. Claudia and Eddie liked privacy and over the years they purchased the surrounding lots and created a lavish compound. Ed and Claudia shared a mutual passion for drag racing and antique cars. In the early years of their relationship, Ed was a professional race car driver, and they traveled the country attending drag racing events.  In their later years, they purchased a vintage 32 Ford Roadster and participated in various car shows around the state. Claudia would sit and read her book while Ed showcased the car and answered spectator questions. Ed’s car always placed in the top three and many times won the “Best of Show.”

Aside from reading, Claudia’s favorite hobby was sewing. She was a skilled seamstress and made various clothes for her children and grandchildren throughout the years. She also had a deep love for dogs and often commented that she liked dogs better than most people.

Claudia is survived by her husband (Ed Pauling), her children John Aleman III, Heidi Serrano (John), and her three grandchildren (Madison, Zane, and Aryiana) and one great granddaughter (Noa Grace.)  She is preceded in death by her parents Claude Nichols (Luceille) and Jody Nichols and her brother Claude (Nicky) Nichols.  

The gravesite service for Claudia will be held Friday, October 13th, 2023, at 10 am at Lakeside Cemetery, 1265 Larson Rd, Lakeside.