Kathleen Ellen Paul

She was born on July 29, 1946 to Alfred and Helen (Hendrickson) Paul. Kathy grew up in Rapid River where she made lifelong friends, and spent much of her childhood on “the farm” in Masonville and in Nahma with her cousins.

After graduating from Rapid River High School in 1964, she attended Central Michigan University and obtained her teaching degree. Kathy began her teaching career in Perkins where she taught social studies at the junior and senior high levels. Besides teaching, Kathy wore many hats. She taught drivers education, and was yearbook and class adviser. Also, at that time, she began coaching basketball at the junior varsity level. When Perkins and Rock schools consolidated to become Mid Peninsula, she continued to teach there for the remainder of her teaching career.

While teaching at Mid Pen she was the school councilor and was instrumental in the appointment of four students into West Point. She was extremely proud to say all four graduated and was invited and attended one of the graduation ceremonies. She loved teaching and took a lot of pride in doing a great job.

Kathy continued coaching 7th grade and JV girls basketball, 8th grade boys basketball, and helped with numerous basketball camps. In addition to basketball, she coached Varsity girls track. In 1995, her team of 4 girls were UP Class D Champions.

In her spare time, she and her friend/co-worker, Debbie Chase, opened the Frame Farm in Gladstone (1982). She remained a partner for 5 years, but always stayed close to the business and helped when needed.

Kathy was not one to remain idle. Soon after retiring, she became the Athletic Director at Mid Pen. Later, she worked for DATA, the UP State Fair, and lastly, was the manager of the Gladstone Farmers Market.

Her favorite pastimes were going to the Casino, traveling and camping with Arlene and Les in the National Parks, and watching sports.

She is survived by her niece Lisa (John) Beavers, sister-in-law Kathy Paul, cousins Paul (Marie) Metz, Mary (Don) French, and God children: Lisa Beavers, Heather French, Jessica and Troy Metz, and Cecila Pilon.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Larry and Alan Paul, nephew Daniel Paul, Aunts Gert and Bunny, along with Uncles Otto, Wally, and Roy.

The family wishes to thank Kathy’s longtime friend Dale “Snapper” Schneider for his dedication to their friendship and for being with her when she passed. They would also like to thank the entire staff at Bishop Noa for their compassionate care.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at All Saints Catholic Church in Gladstone on Monday, May 11 at 10:00 AM. Burial will take place immediately following in the Perkins Cemetery.

The family is being assisted by the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. To leave the family a message of condolence, go to http://www.skradskifuneralhomes.com.