Paula Kay Kirkendall, 72, of Morrison, Oklahoma died on December 24, 2024 at her home in Morrison surrounded by her family. Services will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, December 30, 2024 at the Strode Funeral Home Chapel in Stillwater, with a private family burial in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Strode Funeral Home and Cremation is in charge of the arrangements.


Paula Kay was born in Stillwater, Oklahoma on February 26, 1952 to Lloyd and Pauline Nichols.
She graduated from Morrison Public Schools and then attended Tonkawa and Northwestern in Alva receiving a degree in Education. She married James Ray Kirkendall, Jr. in 1972 in Ponca City, Oklahoma. They were blessed with two children, Aaron and Ashby.


Paula Kay was a dedicated teacher for 20 years. She enjoyed gardening, picking weeds out of the yard and mowing. She volunteered at Karmen Korner and Rubys resale shop.


Paula Kay was diagnosed with breast cancer April 17, 1990 but never let cancer define her. She always had a positive attitude and a smile. She was soft spoken, and had a gentle spirit about her. Paula was always interested in how you were doing and how your family was doing. She lived her life to the fullest and gave of herself to others.


Paula Kay is preceded in death by her parents, her oldest son Aaron Kirkendall, and nephew David Nichols.


She is survived by her husband Jim Kirkendall of Morrison; son Ashby and wife Kara Kirkendall of
Morrison; grandchildren Eli and Asher Kirkendall of Morrison; her brother Chuck Nichols and wife Janene of Morrison; nephew Charles Nichols of Washington State; as well as great nieces and nephews Macee, Emily, Davie and Malakye.