Paula Carol (McKay) Whitacre, 77, of Highland, Kansas, passed away Friday, May 18, 2018, in St. Joseph, MO.

Paula was born on March 1, 1941, in Troy, Kansas. She attended Highland schools, graduating from Highland High School in 1959.  She became a licensed beauty operator before attending college.  After graduating from Emporia State Teachers College, she taught elementary and junior high school for 39 ½ years, all but two years in the Highland USD 425 school district.  She retired in 2004. 

Paula was an active member of the Highland Christian Church. She married William (Bill) Whitacre on March 22, 1964, in Highland.  He preceded her in death in 1989.  Also preceding her in death are her parents, Jacob and Leona (Smith) McKay, and brothers, Michael McKay and Phillip (Bud) McKay. 

She is survived by two daughters, Lisa Larson, Salina, Kansas, and Deborah (Dale) Lukert, Clearwater, Kansas; three brothers, Jacob (Ida Lee) McKay, Lansing, KS, David (Carolyn) McKay, Woodstock, GA, and Timothy (Marcia) McKay, Shawnee Mission, KS; five grandchildren, Jordan (Kelcee) Lukert, Brett (Madison) Lukert, Tara Lukert, Melissa Larson, Brendan Larson, and one great-grandchild, Cullen Lukert.

Funeral services are planned for Tuesday, May 22, 2018, 10:30 a.m., at the Highland Christian Church, with Pastors Tom Carter and Terry Carlson officiating. Interment will follow at the Highland Cemetery.

Friends may call at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home 10 a.m. Monday where visitation with family and friends is scheduled for Monday, May 21, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Highland Christian Church, sent in care of the funeral home, PO Box 33., Highland, Kansas 66434.