Paula Cate Thomas, age 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 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 60's. Paula also loved to entertain and made everyone she met feel welcome 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 Abbot 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 meant so much to her. There will be a Celebration of Pula's life at a later date. Her wish is that memorials be made to the St Labre Indian School, 112 St Labre Campus Drive. Ashland, Montana 59003 or to the charity of your choice.