Paula Sue Appleton, 69, of Urbana, Indiana, passed peacefully at 12:19 am, Sunday, April 19, 2026, at her home. She was born on December 30, 1956, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Wilbur D. and Vita “Vi” (Chenoweth) Miller.
Paula was a 1975 graduate of Northfield High School and the Heartland Career Center. She married Michael J. Appleton in Urbana on November 29, 1975. For nearly 50 years, Paula worked as a bank teller in Wabash, where her kindness, reliability, and work ethic made her a trusted presence to coworkers and customers alike. She was a devoted member of the Urbana Yoke Parish and the Order of the Eastern Star. A proud 10-year 4-H member, Paula carried her creativity throughout her life. She was exceptionally artistic and enjoyed cross-stitching, painting, crocheting, and calligraphy. Paula was known for her willingness to help anyone who needed it. She worked hard, loved deeply, and found her greatest joy in her grandchildren and her beloved granddogs.
She is survived by her husband, Michael J. Appleton of Urbana; three daughters, Heather (Mike) Andrick of LaFontaine, Indiana, Cindy (Chad) Sparling of Kokomo, Indiana, and Eva (Tom) Simpson of LaFontaine; seven grandchildren, Cameron (Carsyn) Andrick, Courtney Andrick, Corbyn Sparling, Callie Sparling, Thatcher Simpson, Elliana Simpson, and Tianna Simpson; mother, Vi Miller of Urbana, Indiana; two brothers, Jeff (Tricia) Miller of North Manchester, and Greg Miller of Alexandria, Virginia; sister-in-law Judy (Doug) Dicken; brother-in-law David (Sandy) Appleton; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Wilbur D. Miller; brother, Eugene Fox; parents-in-law, Jack and Pat McPherson, and her nephew Christopher Appleton.
Funeral services will be 2:00 pm, Friday, April 24, 2026, at Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, 1241 Manchester Avenue, Wabash, with Brian Chamberlain officiating. Family will receive friends from 5-7 pm Thursday, at the funeral home.
Preferred memorial is Urbana Yoke Parish.
The memorial guest book for Paula may be signed at www.grandstaff-hentgen.com.
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