Paula A. Dominguez

Paula A. Dominguez, 91, passed away at her home in St. George, Utah, surrounded by her family on March 6, 2026. She was born on October 5, 1934, in La Feria, Texas, to Marcos Noyola and Margarita Silva. Raised in South Texas as a migrant worker following the crop seasons, she married her lifelong sweetheart, Conrado Dominguez, on December 29, 1957, in the small church in La Feria where they had grown up together. It was there that their son and daughter were born. In 1963, the family moved to St. George, Utah.

Paula worked tirelessly at a variety of jobs, including sewing tents, cleaning homes, plucking turkeys, waiting tables at Dick’s Cafe, and cooking at the Desert Kitchen. Her home cooking proved so popular that the Desert Kitchen began featuring her food as a weekly special, which eventually led her to open her own restaurant, Paula’s Mexican Food, in November 1974. The restaurant continues to be run by family and remains a beloved staple in the community.

In her spare time, she enjoyed crocheting, riding through the countryside on her husband’s motorcycle, and traveling with her girlfriends. She held a deep love for Southern Utah and gave generously of her time through the St. George Lions Club and the St. George Elks alongside Conrado.

She is survived by her children, Joey Dominguez (Clifford Kindred) and Ila Edwards (Rick Edwards); her grandchildren, Brogan Dominguez (Mary Ann Dominguez), Amanda Merrill (Jeremy Merrill), and CJ Skinner; and her great-grandchildren. Paula will be remembered for her warmth, her remarkable work ethic, and the meals that brought family, friends, and the community together.