Paula S. Hanson

Ms. Paula S. Hanson, age 79, passed away on June 16, 2011 after a brief illness. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 21, 2011 at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 4071 Macon Rd., Columbus, GA 31907 at 3:00 PM EST. Burial will follow at Smith Station Baptist Church Cemetery, Lee Rd. 294, Smith Station, AL at 4:30 PM EST. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Monday evening from 6:00 - 8:00 PM.

Ms. Hanson was born in Linz, Austria on April 18, 1932 to the late Joseph and Maria Schelmbauer. She moved to the United States in 1961, leaving most of her family behind. Paula was the widow of the late Capt. Hamor Ronald Hanson, a highly decorated hero of the Vietnam War. She worked at Bonanza Mobile Homes as a dealer and later General Manager at Peach State Mobile Homes during the 1960's. Paula began a career with the United States Civil Service at Ft. Benning where she worked at the Main Post PX and then later managed the Harmony Church PX, where she retired after 24 years of service. She received multiple awards for her service during those years. Paula was a lifetime member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary and in many capacities spent multiple hours with disabled veterans at the VA Hospital in Tuskegee. Paula is survived by a host of close friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice. Please visit www.shcolumbus.com to express condolences.