Gabi Middleton

Gabriele “Gabi” Middleton, age 61 of Paris, TN, passed away on Saturday, December 20, 2025, in the comfort of her home.

Born Gabriele Helga Kollmann, in Germany, on August 7, 1964, to Manfred Kollmann and the late Helga Graffner Kollmann. Her family moved to the states in 1973, and she quickly became small town famous in 1982 when she won Hostess Princess in the World’s Biggest Fish Fry Pageant.

Gabi was one of those people you just don’t forget. She had opinions, a “Plethora” of knowledge, and a presence that filled any room. If you didn’t like her, then you just couldn’t handle the truth. She was a truth teller. Sometimes loudly. Sometimes with humor. But always with honesty.

She knew every song, every artist, and exactly who sang what within seconds. Fox News was always playing faithfully, whether on her tv, or her iPad driving 14 hours to and from St. George Island every year for vacation. That was her favorite place to be. Somehow, she survived all of those miles, and so did the rest of us.

Her laugh was contagious and you knew when Gabi was in the room. Hosting get togethers was her favorite thing to do. She loved being in a room full of family and friends and the feeling was always mutual.

Her past times included Saturday nights at the racetrack, tending to her garden, canning salsas, and veggies, and most of all, her Monday Night Prayer Group. She could cook any cuisine from here to Germany. Sometimes with lots of trial and error.

She was the best employee you could ask for. Working almost 20 years with Revel Enterprise and gaining a beautiful friendship with Tammy and Barry Revel who assisted in tons of care through her cancer journey, even in their own home.

Gabi is survived by one daughter, Morgan (Dejuan Vaughn) Middleton of Paris, TN and 5 grandchildren, Kaden Hillard, Kyla Henshall, Hendrix Vaughn, Evelyn Vaughn, and Cruz Vaughn.

4 amazing bonus children, Marcia Wimberley, Natalie Thurmond, Lydia Flowers, and John David Flowers, and many bonus grandchildren, Olivia, Evan, Landry, Nolan, Nate, Claire, Ella, John Luke, Audrey, Anabelle, Wells, and Maddy; And a dear friend David Flowers.

She is also survived by her father Manfred Kollmann of Paris, TN; one brother, Bernd (Sara) Kollmann of Paris, TN; four nieces Tiffany Goff, Ashley Kollmann, Kinsey Revel, and Kaitlyn Kollmann; and one nephew, Austin Harris.

The last 6 months of Gabi’s life at home could not have been possible without her angel on earth. Sasha Diggs came to this family as a stranger but quickly became a part of the family. She was the medical voice Gabi needed in her final days, and the family is forever grateful for the passion and determination she has for the people in her care.

Ridgeway Funeral Home, 201 Dunlap Street, Paris, TN, 38242, is handling the arrangements. Her remains are to be cremated with a memorial visitation to be held Friday, January 16, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Ridgeway Funeral Home. A memorial service will begin at 5:00 p.m. at Ridgeway Funeral Home and will be followed by a celebration of life at The Paris Moose Lodge at 6:30.

Gabi’s final resting places will be St. George Island and a little sprinkle under the old oak tree with her hound dog Dopey.