Paula Hollinger

Paula D. Hollinger, 82, Lafayette, died at IU Health Arnett Hospital on June 29 after suffering a general decline in health the past year. A lifelong resident of Goshen, she moved to Lafayette in April 2026 to be closer to family.

In 1944, Paula was born on April 25 to Virginia and Paul Geyer. Paul died when she was only three years old and her mother remarried China Smith. On November 6, 1965, she married Rex Hollinger who proceeded her in death in 2020. They enjoyed dining and taking drives together around the parks and countryside of Elkhart County. Huge animal lovers, they shared their home and were always entertained by more than 20 cats that they lovingly rescued throughout the years. Her husband Rex even built a cemetery for the cats who passed and hand carved tombstones for each one.

Paula worked for the Goshen Hospital and Oaklawn Hospital as a patient liaison.

Paula will lovingly be remembered by her twin sons and their spouses Rich and Jesica Hollinger, Jon and Trang Hollinger, as well her grandchildren Jessica Hollinger (Netherlands), Hunter and Sydney Hollinger (Noblesville), Christine and Matt Webb (Noblesville), and Sydney Webb (Long Beach, CA). She is survived by Rex’s two sisters Jackie and husband Ray Yoder (Sarasota, FL) and Sylvia and John Hicks (Loganville, GA).

Paula’s kind and gentle way will be remembered by all who knew and loved her. A memorial service will be held on July 12 at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home in Goshen. Visitation will be 11-1 pm, followed by a brief service and a burial at Rock Run Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made to The Elkhart County Humane Society, or for those so inclined, please consider adopting a homeless kitty in her memory.