Paula Kay Harms

Paula Kay Harms, 51, of Kansas City, passed away Monday, September 22, 2025, in Kansas City. She was born on September 17, 1974, in Sedalia, Missouri, a daughter of Milburn Marcus and Judy Kay (McMurphy) Harms.



She grew up near Cole Camp and was baptized on October 20, 1974, and confirmed on May 22, 1988, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church. While in high school, Paula played volleyball, was a cheerleader, and a member of choir, band, and National Honor Society. She graduated from Cole Camp High School in 1992 and continued her pre-law studies at the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, graduating in 1996.



Paula then attended law school at the University of Missouri at Kansas City and graduated in 2000. She was a member of the Missouri, Kansas, and Arizona Bar Associations. After receiving her law degree, she worked for more than 20 years for the United States Government as an Assistant Federal Public Defender for the Capital Habeas Unit. Her clients were her passion.



Paula loved being with family and friends and made every effort possible to attend the milestone events in the lives of her niece and nephews. She was the life of the party and enjoyed traveling, hiking, biking, kayaking, cooking, but especially spoiling her cats, Ophelia and Baby Baby. She had taken several special trips, one with her Mom to Ireland, a trip to Hawaii, and a more recent trip to Portugal, as well as many other local destinations and all with a fantastic story.



She is survived by her brothers, Dale Harms and Kristi of Cole Camp and Mac Harms and Kathy of Cole Camp; niece, Hannah Harms and Jack; nephews, Marcus Harms and Makenzi, Adisen Harms and MacKenze, and Warner Harms and Kaci; great-nephews, Marshall, Landry, and Hayes; and many special friends, including her close friend, Devin Blair.



She was preceded in death by her parents, Milburn and Judy Harms.



The family will receive friends beginning at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Cole Camp where funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. with Pastor Stephen Zeller officiating. Burial will be in St. Paul's Lutheran Cemetery near Cole Camp. Following the committal services, a celebration of Paula's life with food and fellowship will begin at 5:00 p.m. at The Chat Shack at 15982 Chat Avenue, Cole Camp.



The family suggests memorial contributions be given to St. Paul's Lutheran Cemetery or donor's choice of charity in care of the Fox Funeral Home, Cole Camp. Online condolences may be left at www.foxfuneralhomecolecampmo.com.