MICHAEL

 

Paula Michael, age 72, of Rockford, went to be with her Heavenly 

Father on Thursday, August 12, 2021, at The Ohio State University 

Wexner Medical Center in Columbus. 

 

She was born October 28, 1948, in Celina, to Paul Pumphrey May Sr. 

and Bernice Viola (Forwerck) May.  

 

On September 28, 1968, Paula married Laurence E. “Butch” Michael Jr.  

He survives, along with their daughters: Melinda (Brian) Warthman of 

Dayton and Kristina (James R.) Bennett II of Russells Point, brother & 

sisters: Thomas O. (Pam) May of Celina, Karen (Loel) Handley of Greer, 

South Carolina, and Susann Gurley of Rockford, 3 grandchildren: Mariell 

Thimme, Margaret Warthman and James Bennett, sister-in-law, Connie 

Bigham of Rockford, and several nieces & nephews.

 

Her parents, brothers: Jerry Tumey and Paul P. May Jr., sister-in-law, 

Mary Ann (John) Harris, and a brother-in-law, Dave Bigham, preceded

her in death. 

 

Paula was a 1966 Parkway High School graduate.  She had been employed 

in the offices at Central Soya in Decatur, Huffy Bicycles in Celina, Rockford 

Stone Company and Rockford Dental Clinic, and then retired after working 

for the Cheryl Ann - Mercer County Board of MR/DD Programs. 

 

Paula loved the Lord, and was a member of the Rockford United Methodist 

Church.  She belonged to Rockford Eagles Lodge #1292, enjoyed traveling, 

playing BINGO, and collecting Precious Moments figurines. 

 

Most of all, Paula loved spending time with family and friends, attending her 

grandchildren's events, and taking care of her grandkids and grand-puppies.  

 

Calling Hours are from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 18, at W.H. 

Dick & Sons-Hellwarth Funeral Home in Celina. 

 

Celebration of Life Services 

will follow at 6:00, with Pastor Chip Steffy officiating.               

 

Burial will take place at a later date at Mercer Memory Gardens, Celina.

 

Memorial Contributions may be made to Rockford United Methodist Church 

or The Cancer Association of Mercer County.

 

Condolences can be expressed to Paula's family at dickandsonshellwarthfh.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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