Paula K. Fruitt, 58, of Rochester, went to be with our Lord and Savior securing her Heavenly Home following a sudden unexpected illness at her home in Etna Green on the evening of March 25, 2025.

On September 30, 1966, Paula Kay Gunnels was born in Warsaw to James Elmo and Louise Patton Gunnels. Growing up she shared her childhood with two sisters, Scheena and Cindy.  Proudly, she graduated with the Class of 1984 from Tippecanoe Valley High School.  She continued her education at Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana.

On July 25, 1992, Paula K. Gunnels and Charles Fruitt were married in the Riverview Community Church. They shared nearly 24 years of life's adventures. Tragically, he passed away on April 25, 2016.  From their union came three wonderful children, James, Tuvara and Nancy. The family tree continued to grow with the added blessings of seven grandchildren.

With a great love for her canines, Paula was a Yorkshire Terrier breeder, working with Yorkie Love Inc.  Tara, Sassy and Toby will miss the care, love and gentle touch of Paula.  She was a member of the Riverview Community Church family.  With diverse interests and a caring heart, Paula was an excellent caregiver working for home health care and she was an accomplished accountant.

To relax Paula enjoyed knitting gifts of warmth for her family. As a Mother and Grandma, Paula was proud to oversee two generations.  She doted on all of her grandchildren looking forward to special family celebrations and getting together for the holidays.  Paula was always at the baseball diamond cheering for her grandson and all the Triton Trojans on for the win!

The loving memories of Paula will be cherished  by a son, James W. Gunnels and wife Kayla of Etna Green;  a daughter, Nancy Fruitt of Middlebury;  six grandchildren: Amy Meeks, Hunter Meeks, Racheal Fruitt, Brayden Gunnels , Taylor Gunnels, Maycie Gunnels and Cayson Gunnels; two sisters: Schenna Green and husband Barry of Rochester, Cindy Gunnels of Washington; step-mother, Sandra Gunnels of Mentone; and several nieces and nephews.

A great reunion took place Tuesday evening as Paula was greeted at Heaven's Gates by her parents James and Louise Gunnels, beloved husband Charles, a daughter Tuvara Meeks and her four Yorkies: Sophie, Tucker, Tank and Tilly along with all of her extended family and friends.

A celebration of the life of Paula Kay Fruitt will be at 1:00 PM on Monday, March 31, 2025, in the Riverview Community Church 3780 State Road 110, Tippecanoe, IN.  Her family will greet friends from 11:00 AM until the time of the service.  Pastors John Dotson, Rod Ruberg and Steve Wilhelm will officiate.  Interment will follow in the Reichter Cemetery.