Pauletta Sue Birkinbine, age 71 of Anderson and formerly of Elwood, passed away on Sunday, July 5, 2015 at St. Vincent Anderson Regional Hospital in Anderson after an extended illness. She was born June 27, 1944 in Elwood, the daughter of Paul J. and June Jeanette (Caylor) Burton. Pauletta was a 1962 graduate of Wendell L. Willkie High School where she participated in many school activities. She was a Varsity cheerleader, the 1962 Homecoming Queen, and was active in choir and the Thespian Club. She married Rodney L. Birkinbine on June 19, 1965 and they recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. She was employed as a Home Display Representative and Manager for Home Interiors Company for 14 years. Pauletta also formerly worked at Dr. Robert Scircle's office in Elwood; the Indiana Gas Company; and the office of Dr. Cargioli in Noblesville. She was a member of the Purdue Extension Home Economics Club and enjoyed shopping and traveling - especially to Branson, Missouri and Pompano Beach, Florida. She was an avid fan of Indiana University sports and Indianapolis Colts Football. She and Rod were proud to be foster parents while living in Korea for 4 years. Pauletta recently enjoyed attended Crossroads United Methodist Church in Anderson. More than anything, she was devoted to her family and proud to be a guardian for granddaughter, Meghan, since she was 2 months old. Pauletta will be remembered for never knowing a stranger and always having a smile on her face.

Pauletta's family includes her husband of 50 years, Rodney L. Birkinbine of Anderson; daughter Holly (fiance' Jesse Deval) of Anderson; son Derek Birkinbine of Sioux Saint Marie, MI; brother, Gary (wife Dolly) Burton of Elwood; granddaughter, Meghan Birkinbine of Anderson; brother-in-law, James (wife Joyce) Birkinbine of Anderson; special step-mother, Ellen Birkinbine of Alexandria; 2 special aunts, Betty Burton of Anderson and Jean Burton of Plymouth; 2 nieces, Stasha and Brittney; and 2 nephews, Ryun and Travis; and numerous cousins and extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents and mother-in-law, Doris Beeson.

A funeral service celebrating Pauletta's life will be conducted at 11:00 AM on Thursday, July 9, 2015 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral home in Elwood with Pastor John Hackney of Crossroads United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will follow in the Elwood City Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 2 to 8 PM on Wednesday, July 8, 2015 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, the American Diabetes Association, or the Anderson Animal Protection League through the funeral Home. Online condolences:www.copherfeslermay.com.