Paula Deanna (Morgan) Taft

Paula Deanna (Morgan) Taft, 75 of Battle Creek, Michigan died peacefully with her family at her side, on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at Centrica Glenn Arbor Hospice Place. 

Paula was born November 17, 1947 in Battle Creek, Michigan to Clayton Robert and Maude Geneva (Marler) Morgan. She grew up in Battle Creek and attended Lakeview Schools. Her family moved to Augusta in 1963 and Paula graduated from Kellogg High School in 1965 before she attended Kellogg Community College. She and her mother ran the front office for the local Coca-Cola distributor in Battle Creek. Later in life, Paula was employed with Marshall Field’s and Macy’s, retiring in 2015 after 15 years with the retailer.

She met George Edward Taft, a local Jaycee, at a USAF Thunderbirds party during Battle Creek’s first balloon festival. They were united in marriage on July 10, 1971 at First Presbyterian Church in Battle Creek. Surviving are George, her husband of over 51 years; their three children, Jason Taft, Geoffrey Taft and Kimberly Taft of Battle Creek; two grandchildren, Finnegan Murphy and Fitzpatrick Murphy; her uncle, Howard (Susie) King of Battle Creek, and several cousins in Michigan and Tennessee. She also leaves behind several lifelong friends that became family over the years. Paula was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Robert James Morgan. 

While her children were in school, Paula was a member of the Beadle Lake Elementary PTA and volunteered in the school from 1979 to 1993. She also volunteered with her mom for the Leila Hospital Auxiliary and volunteered for many years with Junior Achievement. Paula was a co-chair of the “Save Harper Creek” millage proposal and was instrumental in getting it passed. Paula enjoyed shopping, Elvis Presley, and playing poker … especially in Las Vegas. She enjoyed working in her vegetable and flower gardens, living at the lake, traveling with her family, and absolutely loved spending time with her grandchildren. She was very proud of the family businesses that continue to thrive today – Mr. Don’s Restaurant, Maudies Laundromat, and Duffy’s Party Store. Paula will be remembered for her infectious smile, her genuine and caring personality, her laughter and her beautiful soul.

Friends will be received noon to 2:00 p.m. Sunday, March 19, 2023 at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care, where a service to celebrate her life will be held 2:00 p.m. Sunday. A family committal and interment will be held Monday at Memorial Park Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Charitable Union, 85 Calhoun Street, Battle Creek, MI 49017 or to Junior Achievement of Southwest Michigan, 2775 W Dickman Rd # C, Springfield, MI 49037. Personal messages for Paula’s family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.