Born in Kansas, Paula Shemer lived in Oregon, Washington, and Illinois, enjoying a life of travel and business before falling in love and marrying rancher and cowboy, Jack Shemer.

They split time between Phoenix and their Nye, Montana ranch until Jack’s passing in 2020. Now Paula lives in Montana full-time, carrying on their dream of ranching to “benefit others – especially our veterans and youth.” She’s passionate about “family working ranches” and preserving history, agriculture, and the outdoors.

Although a humble cowboy, Jack Shemer was a brilliant, successful computer scientist and businessman who loved cattle ranching, horses, and the outdoors. Naturally, the Montana ranch was very special to him.

“Jack grew very attached when he started going there in the ‘70s to hunt and fish,” said Paula. “We started going there together in the mid-80s, and it became a special place for us to get away. By the ‘90s we were buying more land on the river.” It is this deep attraction to the land that prompted them to generously lead as the flagship property of the Legacy Land Foundation.

“My hope is that it remains unchanged. I don’t want to see this valley over developed or subdivided into many small parcels,” said Paula. “Becoming a family working ranch is a wonderful way to preserve the history and keep the valley focused on agriculture and the outdoors.”

Shemer explained that the experiences of living there will benefit others like veterans and youth just as it did for them.

“Having a place to unplug from the world’s busyness is extremely important,” she said. “I think this place will be a gift to many generations seeking nature and a place to heal.”