Paula Darleen Thummel

Paula Darleen (Elliott) Thummel, 77, was born April 16, 1947, in El Dorado, KS, to Wayne and Ruth (Fulk) Elliott. Paula passed on November 9, 2024, in Oklahoma City with her family by her side. Paula graduated from Augusta High School, where she met the love of her life, Don Thummel. Don and Paula were married on August 28, 1965 and together they raised three children, to whom they passed on their deep love and commitment for family.

Paula was a proud mother and happily chauffeured her children Lisa, Shelli, and David from baton twirling lessons to swimming, or to football practice, in one of her many suburbans. While her children were in school, she could be found actively working in the PTA, substitute teaching, and volunteering at Surrey Hills Elementary. She was also a successful business owner and entrepreneur. Her boutique "Home Sweet Home" sold home furnishings often styled by Paula.

As her last child was entering High School, Paula started her career at Yukon Public Schools as the Computer Lab Teacher, better known as the Computer Lab Lady, for 15 years. She enjoyed spending time with students and learning new computer skills.

Paula was an avid photographer and was often asked to take senior pictures, family portraits, and action shots for sports. She loved photographing nature, specifically flowers. Paula's talent was admired at the camera shop where she printed her photos, and she was known by all who worked there. Along with photography, Paula had a knack for gardening. Her front yard was beautiful and earned yard of the month multiple times. Her flowerbeds were a work of art and full of color and blooms.

After she lost her husband, she was able to reconnect more frequently with her childhood friends from Augusta, KS. She could be found traveling I-35, listening to an audiobook, and heading to Augusta.

Paula always had pets in her home and loved pampering her dogs. She raised several dogs, some of which she rescued from shelters. She loved to have FUN and enjoyed taking trips to Santa Fe, driving to see the leaves changing colors and hosting the annual family Christmas cookie decorating event. Paula took pride in looking polished and was known to add a touch of turquoise.

After raising her children, she was blessed to stay at home and devote her free time to her adored grandkids. From sporting events to carpool pickups, Paula could be found supporting all of her grandkids at their various events. Grammy was eager to share her hobbies and interests while also encouraging them to find their own.

Paula is preceded in death by her parents, Wayne and Ruth (Fulk) Elliott, husband Don Thummel, and sisters Jaunice Elliott and Mary Beth Elliott. She is survived by her children, Lisa Corn and husband John, Shelli Hiatt, and husband Steve, and David Thummel and wife Emmery Frejo; grandchildren, Jordan Corn and wife Jessica, Jahree Groce and husband Caelan, Heidi Thummel, and Stella Thummel, and great-granddaughter Ellison Corn. Paula is also survived by sisters, Verna Ecton and husband Bill, Jennifer Axmann and husband Jeff, Charlotte Hopkins, and Marsha Forsythe, brothers-in-law Alan Thummel and wife Karen, Joe Barter Sr., and Craig Thummel. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Wake services will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at Yanda & Son Funeral Home Chapel, located at 1500 W. Vandament Ave, Yukon, OK 73099. The following morning on November 20, a Rosary will take place at 9:00 a.m. at St. John Nepomuk Catholic Church, 660 Garth Brooks Blvd, Yukon, OK 73099, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Yukon Cemetery.