Paula R. Lomas

Paula Lomas was a vibrant, caring and fun-loving woman, who through her love and hard work provided a strong and benevolent foundation for her family. She approached each day with a stunning sense of adventure and joy, approaching challenges with determination, and treating her family and friends with loyalty and love. Paula was a person you could never forget, and her charm stayed with you long after she had gone.

The 1960s marked a shift from the idyllic innocence of the previous decade into a slow burn of social unrest. Protest movements were at the forefront of discussions as more and more U.S. troops headed for Vietnam. Despite the looming problems within the American society, people still needed to have fun. It was the golden age of drive-in theaters and the Beatles owned the top of the pop charts. In Orlando, Florida, Donald and Karen (Hoover) Prose were celebrating the birth of their first child, daughter Paula Rae, on December 13, 1960. Paula was the oldest of two children and grew up on their farm in Clarcona, Florida, with her younger brother, Buster. As a young girl, Paula fostered a love for horses and learned how to show her horses at 4-H and Ponies of America (POA). Over the years, she earned several blue ribbons for her Shetland pony, Kay, her gray and white pony, her pony named Dee, and her quarter horse, Tulio.

In the spring of 1978, Paula left Apopka High School to marry the love of her life, Clifford Lomas. She met Clifford one day while shopping with her mom at Winn-Dixie, where he was a meat cutter. Paula was absolutely smitten with Clifford from the moment their eyes met, and he with her. The two had a whirlwind courtship, and fell in love at a young age. Although her parents wanted her to go out and experience the world before settling down, Paula and Clifford were happily married on April 16, 1978, and shared 32 wonderful years together.

One of the happiest days of Paula’s life was on April 18, 1980, when her beautiful son, Clifford Shawn, was born. “Shawn” became the focus of Paula’s life. She was very devoted to her son and loved to volunteer at his school and sports events; she was the best team mom ever. For several years, Shawn was on a traveling hockey team, which took them to Michigan for competitions. Both he and his father grew to love the area and came up with a slightly devious plan to convince Paula that they should move there. It wasn’t long before the family of three was on the move to beautiful Michigan, settling in the quiet community of Vicksburg. Here, Paula delightedly experienced the changing of the seasons for the first time, and snow! She fell in love with Michigan just like her son and husband had – now she felt at home.

After her son Shawn was older, Paula decided it was time for her to get a job, and took a full-time position in management at Rite-Aid in Paw Paw. With her feisty, outgoing personality coupled with her proficiency as a manager, Paula became well known in the Rite-Aid community as one of the “best managers.” She was caring and sensitive, and a good listener with a clear voice of reason. Paula was truly a role model for so many and never sought any recognition for it.

In her much deserved leisure time, Paula enjoyed doing arts and crafts, and had a real knack for making floral arrangements. Although her husband Clifford liked to hunt, Paula was an animal lover. So while he was off tracking deer, she headed off for some fabulous fun with her dear friend and “adopted sister,” Kathi. The two were best of friends and inseparable (except for the 1,800 miles between her house and Kathi’s in Florida). They looked forward to catching up with each other on their “girl trips” which consisted of several relaxing cruises around the Caribbean, among others.

In early September, Paula was diagnosed with cancer. With an unbreakable spirit, she began chemotherapy and radiation treatments, though her body just couldn’t stay strong enough and declined quickly. On Friday, November 5, 2010, Paula lost her brief, but brave battle with cancer at Borgess Medical Center surrounded by the family she loved dearly. Family and friends will remember Paula as a woman who touched their lives, a woman who will be part of their memories forever.

Visit with her family and friends on Monday, November 8, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Life Story Funeral Home, 5975 Lovers Lane, Portage (344-5600). A Funeral will be held on Monday at 3:00 p.m. at the same location.

Paula was preceded in death by her father, Donald Prose, and brother, Buster Prose. She is survived by her husband, Clifford Lomas; her son, Shawn Lomas (Lauren Sassano); her mother, Karen Prose (Jon Chilson); her sister, Kathi Schmidt; as well as many other family and friends. Please visit Paula’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory or photo or sign her online guest book before coming to the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Kalamazoo Humane Society.