Paula Kaye Thurman

Paula Kaye Thurman passed away on July 26, 2026, at the age of 78.

Born on August 21, 1947, in Salt Lake City, Utah, Paula lived life with a contagious laugh, a mischievous sense of humor, and a heart that made a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.

Paula married her first love James Abernathy on July 29th 1965. They had 5 children together and were married for 22 years. On August 29, 1990, she married the love of her life, Fred Thurman. Together they blended two families into one loud, wonderfully chaotic crew that only grew larger over the years.

Paula was the proud mother of James Abernathy (Theresa), Christine Roberson, Richard Abernathy (Tonya), Robert Abernathy (Tina), Mitzi Kompare (John), Mike Thurman (Romina), Kristine Thurman (Alex), and Jessica Woodruff (Matt); beloved aunt of Tiffany Lynn; proud grandmother of 17 grandchildren; and great-grandmother of 16.

She was preceded in death by her 1st husband James Abernathy, mother, Margaret Pacini; her sisters Kathy Rad Sanders, Lisa Sanders Crew, and Catherine McGill and her brother Joe Sanders.and Brent Barnes. She is survived by her sisters Debbie Barber and Linda Pettey; her brothers John Sanders, Elden Sanders, Kim Sanders, and Jeff Barnes; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members.

If you knew Paula, you knew how to laugh. She had a goofy sense of humor and absolutely delighted in embarrassing her kids well into adulthood-and she took great joy in it.

She loved the bright lights of Las Vegas, especially if there was a slot machine nearby. She never turned down the chance to ride a roller coaster, enjoyed raising Shih Tzus, loved decorating her home-especially at Christmas-and took great pride in her homemade salsa.

Paula helped raise not only her younger brothers and sisters and her own children, but also many of the neighborhood kids her children brought home over the years. Those kids still remember the "Barbie Mom" with the infectious laugh and incredible tan-and she would have absolutely loved hearing that.

Paula leaves behind a family that is larger, louder and closer because of the love she poured into it. She will be deeply missed fiercely loved and impossible to forget.

The celebration of Paula's life will be held on Friday the 31st of July from 12:00 pm-4:00pm Service will follow directed after. Refreshments will be served prior to services. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make a donation in her honor to curealz.org.

Service are at the French Funeral home and Creations
1275 Unser Blvd. NE
Rio Rancho, N.M. 87144