Obituary
Paula Mae Harden, Indianapolis, passed away on Monday, April 8, 2024. She was 91 years old. Paula was born in Indianapolis to her parents Donald and Elsie Kinman. She graduated from Arsenal Tech High School, class of 1950. Paula married her first husband, Paul Clarkson, in 1950; together they shared 20 years and four children. Later, Paula married her second husband, Myron B. Harden, in November of 1973 and they shared several years of marriage together until Myron passed away in 2001.
Paula worked in her family’s restaurant, Elsie’s Lunch, while she was growing up and into her early adulthood. Eventually, Paula began her career as a secretary for Link Belt and later moved to the company, Economation. Paula retired from Economation after several dedicated years of service. Paula was a member of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church (Great Oak Church) with her husband for 45 years. Paula was able to maintain a friendship with two of her highschool friends, Fayne Plake and Elinor Lawson, for the entirety of her life. Paula was delighted to celebrate her 90th birthday alongside her dear friends and welcomed their company as often as she was able to do so. Paula enjoyed crocheting, sewing, and cooking; it was important to her to be a good host to all who she entertained. Paula selflessly took care of various family members as they grew into old age. Paula’s independent nature and nurturing personality will be dearly missed by those she leaves behind.
Paula is survived by her children, Steve (Anita) Clarkson, Rick (Donna) Clarkson, Donna (Jim) Kijovsky, Janet (Shane) Metcalf; her step children, Myron (Susan) Harden Jr, Dana (Roy) Light, Mark Harden, and Dawn Dittemore; her several grandchildren and great grandchildren; her one great great grandchild; her nephews, David (Lisa) Weatherford and Don (Mary) Weatherford.
Paula is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Myron Harden; Her sister, Patty Weatherford.
A visitation for Paula will be held on Friday, April 12, 2024 at Forest Lawn Funeral Home from 9:00 am to 10:30 am. The funeral service will be on Friday April 12, 2024 at 10:30 am. Entombment will immediately follow at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens at 11:30 pm.
Donations
For those choosing to make a memorial contribution, the family suggests that donations be sent to the American Cancer Society, 5635 W 96th St Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46278, American Heart Association, 8720 Castle Creek Pkwy E Dr #100, Indianapolis, IN 46250, and St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 9045 River Rd Suite 175, Indianapolis, IN 46240.