Paula Hufford

Paula Jean Hufford, age 60, passed away suddenly due to complications of Huntington's Disease on September 3, 2022. Paula was born on October 19,1961, in Columbus Ohio and was raised in Hamilton Township. She graduated from Hamilton Township High School class of 1979 and attended Morehead State University, Morehead, KY. Paula earned her Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communications and Education, class of 1983.

Paula loved life and adventure. She moved to Texas in 1983 and was working in Dallas when she met Steve Mikulenka, her soul mate. He became her solid rock, advocate, voice and partner in the beautiful life they shared. They married on her 30th birthday.

Paula enjoyed living in Texas, Florida, Oregon, Colorado, North Carolina, Ohio, and finally Georgia. She began her career in food service then transitioned to sales and catering side of the hospitality industry in management positions, including Director of Sales and Marketing at a number of properties. After years in hospitality, Paula entered into retail sales becoming a store manager for Talbots at multiple locations. Paula loved looking classy and enjoyed helping others to do the same.

Paula loved all sports, especially The Ohio State Buckeye's football and she adopted Steve's Texas A&M Aggies too. She maintained friendships with great intention and loved her family fiercely.

Paula lived with joy everyday!

She is preceded in death by parents Robert (Bob) Hufford, Patricia Hufford Close, George Close, and sister Christina Hale.

Paula is survived by Steve Mikulenka, her true love; sisters Susan Poythress (Mike), Laurie Marsh (Mike) and Dobie Close (Ray Music); Aunts and Uncles, Elizabeth Llewelyn-Hufford Elmquist, Bob and Jane Keller; Nieces and Nephews, Jamie, Vicki (Sean), Marc (Mary), Mac, Michelle (Brandon), Sam, Zeke, Micah; Great nieces and nephews, Nora, Jeffrey, Daniel, Travis and Isaac; along with loving friend Betty Brady (Andrew) and many cousins, friends, neighbors and colleagues. Paula was always comforted and entertained by her many spoiled pets and also leaves behind her dogs, Jesse and Shelby who were her constant companions.

Memorial services to celebrate Paula Hufford and the postponed services for George Close will be held October 15, 2022 at Upper Arlington Lutheran Church, Mill Run Campus, 3500 Mill Run Rd, Hilliard, OH 43026, at 1:00 pm with interment of Paula and George on the church campus to follow.

Consider a donation in Paula's name to Huntington's Disease Society of America (HDSA.org < http://HDSA.org >), or your favorite animal rescue charity.