Paulyne Grant Wagner, age 93 of Three Rivers, died early Sunday, March 29, 2009 at Bowman House in Three Rivers where she had resided the past month. She was born in Shipshewana, IN on Jan. 19, 1916 the daughter of George and Marie (Swinehart) Grant, and has been a resident of Three Rivers for the past 70 years. After graduating from a South Bend Beauty Academy, Paulyne worked for the Growjean Ladies Wear Shop in Three Rivers, and was crowned Miss Three Rivers in 1937. She then went to work for the General Telephone Company as an Operator, later became Chief Operator, and retired as a Cashier from GTE. Paulyne was active in numerous civic activities, was a Cub Scout Den Mother, and a member of the Sauganash Country Club Auxiliary. She was a 50 year member of the First United Methodist Church.
Paulyne was married to John H. Wagner, Jr. on Sep. 21, 1945 in Three Rivers. He survives, along with a son and daughter in law, Robert & Kathleen Wagner of Three Rivers; 2 grandchildren, Robert "Robbie" Wagner, Jr. and William "Bill" Wagner (Kristine) both of Round Lake, IL; 1 brother, Oscar Grant (June) of White Pigeon; a half-brother, John Grant of Constantine; a half-sister, Darlene Clark of Centreville; nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Ralph Grant; a sister, Louise Rhodes; step-brother, Leo Hillyer; and half-sister, Sharon Gray.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the Eickhoff, Farrand, Halverson Chapel in Three Rivers. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 31, 2009 at the funeral home with Rev. Dr. Maria Rutland, Pastor of the First United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Three Rivers Health Hospice, or to Bowman House. Online register is available at www.efhchapel.com