Marta Paulina "Paula" Monsalve-Selby

Marta Paulina "Paula" Monsalve Selby, 68, of Jonesboro, died Saturday, November 4, 2023 after a years-long battle with an illness.

Paula was born and raised in Linares, Chile on October 11, 1955, daughter of the late Arturo Osvaldo Monsalve Muñoz and Marta Elena Lucio Pradines. Her passion for music, along with her angelic voice led her to be an artist, musician, songwriter and performer. She began playing the guitar at the age of seven and at twelve she studied piano. During high school and the university, where she majored in English, she performed alone and in various folk music ensembles. At the age of 22 she began her professional career in Spain and the Latin American genre. Her beautiful voice captivated children and sophisticated audiences around the world. She was often accompanied on the piano by her brother, Roberto, and shared the stage with many international musicians. She recorded many CD's through out her career. Since 1984, Paula has lived in Indiana with her two sons. While balancing the role of mother and singer, she has become a true cultural ambassador to the Midwest. Since 1986, Paula has represented the Hispanic World at the Children's Museum of Indianapolis. In 1992, Indiana-Purdue University in Fort Wayne, recognized her as a defender and promoter of Hispanic education in the United States. Accolades she was most proud of were singing in the 1987 Pan Am Games, and singing for the Dalai Lama on one of his visits to Chile.

Paula started her own Foundation to help the poorest of the poor around the World AMOR DE MADRE - MOTHER'S LOVE, in Linares, Chile. Paula was full of life, with a positive energy, that she put into everything she did. Warm and friendly, she was a friend to all and loved being part of her small Fairmount Community and the farm she called home. Paula was strong in her faith from her Catholic roots to attending the Fairmount Friends Church. She loved to travel and tend to her flower garden.

Paula will be missed by her two sons, Luther of Jonesboro, and Gabriel (Makenzie) of Brooklyn, NY and two brothers, Arturo Monsalve and Roberto Monsalve, both of Chile, along with numerous friends around the world.

Arrangements are entrusted the the Fairmount Chapel of Armes-Hunt Life Celebration Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 415 S. Main Street, Fairmount, Indiana. A Life Celebration Service for Paula will be at the Fairmount Friends Church, 124 W. First Street, Fairmount, Indiana on Saturday, November 11, 2023 at 11 AM with Pastor Brock Meyer officiating.

Paula loved taking of the elderly. In her honor the family request donations be made to a elderly charity that Paula supported in Chile, San Camilo Linares Nursing Home. Due to money exchange with Chile, please make contributions in care of Armes-Hunt Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 415 S. Main Street, Fairmount, IN 46928

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.armeshuntfuneralhome.com