Paula Cate Thomas

Paula Cate Thomas, 73 died on June 19, 2022. She was born and raised in
Cleveland, TN and graduated from Cleveland High School in 1967. She attended
Cleveland State Community College and the University of Chattanooga. At the age of
50 she returned to college and received a Bachelor’s Degree from Covenant College.
Paula was a ballet teacher for many years at Frances Gould School of Dance.
She later bought the studio, which then became the Paula Duff School of Dance. She
was a positive influence and mentor to so many of her students, not only in ballet but in
life as well.
Paula loved life and was always up for a new challenge and adventure. She
learned to scuba dive in her early 60s. Paula also loved to entertain and made everyone
she met feel welcomed and at home.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Tom Varnell, as well as her parents,
Paul and Lela Ramsey Cate.
Paula is survived by her husband: Bill Thomas; daughter: Mary Duff; son: David
(Whitney) Duff; stepsons: Scott Varnell, Blake (LeeAnn) Varnell, and Brett (Brittany)
Varnell; grandchildren: Sloan and Camila Abbott Duff; step grandchildren: Brenna,
Cade, Thomas, and Lillian Varnell; sisters: Amanda (Don) Willoughby and Mollie (Rusty)
McAmis; nephew Paul McAmis; nieces: Elizabeth McAmis and Catherine Willoughby;
sister in law: Ann Marie Fei; as well as many dear cousins that she loved.
Paula requested that the people who passed through her life know that they
meant so much to her.
There will be a celebration of Paula’s life at a later date. Her wish is that
memorials be made to:
St. Labre Indian School
112 St. Labre Campus Drive
Ashland, MT 59003
Or to the charity of your choice.