The Rio Linda and El Dorado County communities are mourning the loss of Paula Jean Zdenek, a woman whose life was defined by a deep passion for horses, a sharp journalistic wit, and a steadfast commitment to her roots. Paula passed away peacefully on the morning of February 7, 2026, at the Gold Country Health Center in Placerville following a brief illness.
A Proud Rio Linda Legacy
Born in Phoenix, Arizona, on August 27, 1952, Paula was the daughter of long-time El Dorado County residents Bert Zdenek, Jr. and Hope (Roper) Zdenek. However, many in our local community remember her as a fixture of the Rio Linda High School Class of 1970.
Paula remained a dedicated alumna throughout her life, staying active in class reunions—including the milestone 55th reunion held just last year. Her “fun, irreverent, and opinionated” spirit made her a standout figure among her peers, and she remained a “bright and joyful beacon” to her classmates for over five decades.
A Life Dedicated to the Horse
After a brief stint in San Francisco for college in the early 1970s, Paula returned to her true calling: the equestrian world. As the owner of Whispering Hope Equine Training Center in Rescue, CA, she turned a teenage passion into a lifelong career.
Paula was a respected figure in the horse training community, advocating for collaboration over dominance. She was a devotee of natural horse clinician Leslie Desmond and a student of horse training legend Bobby Ingersoll. Her dedication was so fierce that she famously cut college classes to witness Ingersoll win the first-ever Snaffle Bit Futurity.
Her expertise wasn’t limited to the arena; Paula was also an accomplished part-time journalist for the Mountain Democrat and various horse publications. She played a pivotal role in the preservation of California horse history, serving as an editor for Bobby Ingersoll’s iconic book, “The Legendary California Hackamore & Stock Horse.”
Community Spirit and Kindness
Beyond her professional accolades with the Sacramento Gold Trail Mounties and the Hangtown Toastmasters, Paula was known for her immense heart. She was a woman who never refused a neighbor or friend in need. Many of her patrons recall her generosity, often lowering boarding or coaching fees for those facing hard times, offering a compassionate ear alongside her technical expertise.
Paula is survived by her sisters, Donna Hutchinson (Hemet) and Brenda Gerolomy (Orangevale), along with her brother-in-law Barrie, several nieces and nephews, and many cousins—including Albert J. Zdenek, Jr. of Miami, who held a bond with her like a brother.
Service Information
The community is invited to celebrate Paula’s adventurous and purposeful life:
- When: Wednesday, February 25, 2026
- Time: 11:00 AM
- Location: Green Valley Mortuary, 3004 Alexandrite Drive, Rescue, CA
- Reception: To follow the service. All are welcome to attend and share their memories of Paula.
Post Views: 97
