Paula Kay Judd Walsh Eppler, was the only child of Willard Allen and Pauline Lane Judd, life-time residents of Whitesboro, Texas . She was also the only grand-daughter of Louis Leslie and Mae Brooks Judd, pioneer residents of Whitesboro, and the only niece of John S. and Maxine Judd Masten, also life-long residents of Whitesboro, Texas.

Paula Kay was born February 14, 1937, in Gainesville, Texas. At first sight of her little grand-daughter, her paternal grandmother voiced her belief that Paula Kay would probably not last through the night. But survive she did surrounded by all of those who lovingly nursed her and reared her in the "love and admonition of the Lord".

She was raised in Whitesboro where her mother and father owned a local "dry goods store" business. Her grandfather was a cattle trader and many times during the summer, Paula Kay would ride along with him when he went to the pastures to feed cattle or to take cattle to livestock sales he attended once a week. Her aunt and uncle owned and operated the local bakery where she also helped out on Saturday, selling doughnuts.

She attended Whitesboro schools and graduated from Whitesboro High School in 1955 with honors. She enrolled at North Texas State College in Denton, Texas for one semester, but quit school to marry Billy Dale Walsh, her high school sweetheart, on Friday, September 2, 1955. Paula and Billy began their life together there in Whitesboro, and to this marriage was born three daughters, Leslie Gail, Billie Kay, and Nancie Gay Walsh. The family was involved in all facets of First Baptist Church as well as many community and civic activities. Tragically, on May 11, 1969, Billy Dale was killed in a freak car/train accident. Paula remained in Whitesboro and continued to be a part of her parents' business, Judd's Department Store and The Calico Shop, a fabric store.

On February 19, 1971, Paula Kay and Ray Eppler were married in a small ceremony in her parents' home surrounded by their children, Gail, Kay and Nancie Walsh and Daniel and Darryl Eppler. Ray had always been a part of the oil field business, so it wasn't long until his work took him to South Texas where they all moved together. It was Paula Kay's first move out of Whitesboro and away from all her family. From south Texas, they moved to Oklahoma City and then to Ardmore, OK where they remained until her death. In January 1975, Ray's youngest brother was killed in a car accident and he left behind three small sons. The court awarded custody of the oldest boy, Michael, to Ray and Paula. Their family now totaled three boys and three girls. They were often referred to as "the Brady Bunch", a TV sitcom family, but they both would quickly answer "no" with the explanation that the Brady bunch only lived together for an hour a week and had a maid. We live together 24/7 and no maid!!! All six children graduated from Plainview High School in Ardmore and three went on to college and graduated. One son served in the U.S. Marine Corp and another retired after 21 years in the Navy. All have been contributing members of society.

Besides being a mother to three girls and then later to three boys, Paula Kay worked as a medical transcriptionist, church secretary, bookkeeper, and accounting clerk as well as being a part of her parents' business. She also served as church pianist and organist for many years and was a former chairman of Christian Women's Club of Ardmore. After retiring, she began quilting which she loved and enjoyed playing bridge. She and her husband traveled extensively around the United States for many years, something they both enjoyed immensely. She has been an active member of Christ Community Church, Ardmore, for more than thirty-five years.

Paula was grandmother to two granddaughters and five grandsons and loved every minute of the times she spent with each of them. Finally, at the age of 70, she enjoyed the blessing of becoming a great-grandmother to Elia Beth and two years later to Ethan Lane Bartolomucci. And we can never forget the extra added blessing of Bennett Lane Bartolomucci who arrived nearly 10 years later. And finally, an Eppler great-grandson was born in 2022 and named Hubert Wade Eppler. His great-grandpa Ray would have been "over the moon" proud of his great-grandson.

Paula is survived by two daughters Billie Kay Bartolomucci and Nancie Walsh (James) Rosson, three sons, Daniel Ray Eppler, Darryl Craig Eppler, Michael David (Diana) Eppler, a special 4th daughter, Teri Foster and her Georgia Daughter, Darcy Sutton and family. Also surviving are seven grandchildren, Joshua (Elizabeth) Bartolomucci, Kevin Phillips, Daniel S. Eppler, Ashley Lundy, Andrew Eppler, Aaron Eppler, Perry Eppler, and four great grandchildren, Elia, Ethan and Bennett Bartolomucci, Hubert Wade Eppler and a host of nieces and nephews as well as extended family members.

She was preceded in death by both of her husbands, a daughter, Gail Hilst, a granddaughter, Christine Lundy, son-in-law, Tony Walker, her parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles and many other loved ones.

Visitation will be held at Craddock Funeral Home, 525 S. Commerce Street in Ardmore, Oklahoma, 7:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 19, 2023. Service is scheduled for Wednesday, December 20th, at 10:00 a.m. at Christ Community Church, 2620 Mt. Washington Road in Ardmore, Oklahoma. There will be live streaming available at www.Ardmoreccc.com. Online condolences can be made at www.craddockfuneral.com

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Food and Resource Center of South Central Oklahoma, 801 Hailey Street SW, Ardmore, Oklahoma 73401.