Paula J. Hines

Born August 20, 1945 to James and Betty Gibbons. Paula grew up in Tipp City, Ohio as the second of four children and graduated from Tippecanoe High School. She attended The Ohio State University and retired as a teacher from Dayton Public Schools.

Paula is preceded in death by her parents, a brother, and daughter Dawn (Hines) Stinson. Paula is survived by the love of her life, husband Gerald “Gary” Hines, who she knew growing up, but waited 50 years to meet again and marry. Paula had one child, daughter Lisa (Gray) Kerrick, who she loved, raised to be independent, and doled out golden nuggets of advice to steer her successfully through life. After Paula and Gary married, she quickly became a mom to Gary’s daughters Dawn (Hines) Stinson and Christa (Hines) Macy, both of whom she loved as if they were her own. Paula readily welcomed Charles Lesser (Lisa) and Brian Macy (Christa) as part of her family.

Paula is survived by 9 grandchildren Brandi Barton (David), Joshua “Adam” Albaugh (Katie), Jerad “JD” Albaugh (Amber), Todd Schilling (Amanda), Matt Schilling, Cale Stinson, Billy Stinson, Garrett Jessee, Hunter Jessee, and 8 adoring great-grandchildren, Blake, Claire, Lauren, Kylee, Avery, Violet, Edith, and John. All of whom she loved and taught some important life skills like how to play poker and dress with flair.

She leaves behind her beloved dog, Tank, who will be well loved in her absence. The list of friends that Paula leaves behind would fill pages and the number of people blessed by knowing her has been great.

Her sense of humor was contagious and was surpassed only by her endless generosity. She preferred to spend her time traveling with her family, socializing with her friends, and volunteering for Englewood Animals Rescue Sanctuary (EARS).

Paula enjoyed life and found happiness in simple things, like camping with her family and riding on the back of Gary’s Can Am Spyder, where they explored the back roads of Florida and North Carolina. She enjoyed seeking out good food and creating new recipes. She is famous for her cole slaw, cabbage rolls, and sixers beans. In addition to the simple things, she enjoyed the finer things life had to offer, like traveling with family and friends, gambling, time at the beach, rare prime rib, good vodka, and decadent desserts. You can witness her joyfulness in photos as she often appears to be not just smiling, but genuinely laughing and having a good time.

Because of the importance of pets in our lives and animal rescue work, Paula’s family would be honored to have donations be made in her memory to Englewood Animal Rescue Sanctuary at 500 N. Indiana Ave. Englewood, FL 34223 www.earsanimalrescue.com or by using EARS Facebook page. We also ask that when you hear Willie Nelson sing You Were Always on My Mind, you take a moment and remember her.

She will be missed.