BUTLERVILLE

Paula Marie “Toots” Nighbert, 67, of Butlerville, passed away on October 15, 2021, at 12:13 p.m. at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis.

Born May 26, 1954, in New Castle, she was the daughter of Arvis and Marilyn Jo (Weyl) Fox.

Paula graduated from Jennings County High School in 1972 and was in the first class to complete their entire high school career at Jennings County High School after its formation. She had also been a cheerleader in middle school. Paula gave 39 years of service to state hospitals. In 1973 she began working as a DST for the Muscatatuck State Developmental Center until its closure and later went on to work for the Madison State Hospital. She enjoyed watching the I.U. Basketball team, games shows, and reality television, especially Survivor and Big Brother. She also enjoyed reading.

Paula is survived by her son, David Nighbert of Butlerville; mother, Marilyn Fox of Butlerville; brother, Rick (Tena) Fox of Frankfort; sisters, JoEllen (Todd) Brooks of Hayden and Mary Mills of North Vernon; and her nephews and caregivers, Bryant Mills and Alex Holcomb, both of North Vernon. She is also survived by other nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her five-year-old daughter, Angie Nighbert, in 1982 after her battle with Leukemia; her half-sister, Kim Fox, in 1997 following a fatal automobile accident; and her father, Arvis Fox, in 2002.

Visitation for Paula will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at Dove-Sharp &Rudicel Funeral Home and Cremation Service in North Vernon. A graveside service will follow in the Butlerville Cemetery in Butlerville with the Rev. Dale Boyd officiating.

Memorials may be made through the funeral home in Paula’s honor to help with expenses.