Paulette Hinton, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend passed away April 4, 2026 at the age of 81 in Tucson, AZ. Her beloved husband Bill Hinton was by her side. Paulette and Bill spent 18 wonderful years golfing and enjoying life in southern Arizona. Paulette leaves a legacy of kindness, positivity, friendship, and family that will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Paulette Bastian was born May 31, 1944, in Salina, Utah. Growing up, she enjoyed all outdoor activities and loved her time at the Gooseberry ranch. In her small hometown, Paulette was known for having a lead foot but would slow things down when dragging Main Street with her younger brother Earl. In her 20’s, Paulette raised two sons, Rob and Bret, with her husband Tom. She was the full-time business owner of Paulette’s Smart Shop, specializing in modern fashion and custom alterations. She was active in the community, serving in several organizations including the Chamber of Commerce and the Jaycettes. After Tom’s death in 1978, Paulette was remarried in 1979 to Gary L. Keller. The couple welcomed their son Justus to the family and spent summers boating at Lake Powell with cousins Brian, Wendy, and Jamie. After her divorce from Gary in 1987, Paulette had the opportunity to open a new location for her aunt’s business, Alexander’s Fine Jewelry, in Arizona. Within her first year in the valley of the sun, she met and married James L. Denham. The family enjoyed camping together and Paulette continued her retail career helping customers at Casual Corner and Kay Jewelers. Paulette was an excellent salesperson, always ready with a sincere compliment that made others feel special. Jim and Paulette divorced in 2004. Paulette continued to work successfully in retail over the next few years, moving on to Dana Buchman and Brighton Collectibles. In 2007, Paulette met and fell in love with Bill Hinton and settled in Marna, AZ, where they enjoyed neighborhood gatherings and endless hours of golf on their community course.
Paulette loved living in Marana with Bill and thoroughly enjoyed the experiences that the Tucson area offered. Paulette rarely left her husband Bill’s side and the two shared countless treasured moments together.
Throughout her life Paulette enjoyed an active lifestyle. She loved camping, snow sports, water skiing, walking, and especially golf. Her positive spirit, laughter, and genuine kindness made her a joy to be around. With her warm and welcoming personality, Paulette was a natural hostess. Meals always started with delicious hors d’oeuvres, endless homestyle main dish choices, and of course, dessert. She loved being a mother and was very proud of her boys, but her time with her grandchildren was her greatest treasure. She never missed the chance to shower them with fashionable gifts and knick-knacks.
Paulette is survived by her husband William M. Hinton, sons Bret Paul Shepherd and Justus Gary Keller, grandchildren Ash Keller, Briley Keller, and Alexis Li Shepherd, brother Earl A. Bastian and sister-in-law Sheila J. Bastian. Paulette is preceded in death by her first husband William Thomas Shepherd, father Paul Benjamin Bastian, mother Jenave Mickelsen Bastian, and son Robert Thomas Shepherd.
A Celebration of Life will be held on April 25, 2026 at Bill and Paulette’s home in Marana, AZ. A graveside dedication will be held on Saturday, May 9 at noon at the Pioneer Cemetery in Salina, Utah.
