Pauline Miller Lanam Born Feb. 13, 1920 to a German immigrant couple in rural Selby, South Dakota. At the age of 96 on March 17, 2016 she went to be with her husband of 55 years. She was a rural resident of Hastings, Michigan. Pauline was surrounded at home by her family when the Lord called her. In her early teens she took over management of her family's household when her mother became ill. This ended Pauline's chance of going to High School. At age 80 she realized her dream of acquiring a High School diploma when she received her GED. She had always wanted to be a teacher so with that desire and her countless skills, she was a mentor to many people and helped to make their lives better. In 1945 she and her husband moved onto a run down farm in rural Walworth County, South Dakota where they turned it into one of the most productive farms in the county. It was here that she was able to enjoy her passion for gardening and flowers. Whatever she touched with Miracle Grow responded and blossomed! Their time on this little bit of Heaven on Earth was limited to 38 years due to Richard losing his eye sight to macular degeneration. They moved to Tennessee where their love of growing things continued with apple & pecan trees plus catfish. After Richard's death in Tennessee, she moved in with her daughter, son-in-law & family in Arlington Heights, Illinois where she assisted with Gail's daycare and was able to rock & love babies!!! After her son-in-law passed she moved with her daughter 7 years ago to rural Hastings on the shore of Little Pine Lake. Here she continued her love of gardening and relished watching the many birds at her feeders especially her hummingbirds. She leaves behind her 2 children, Dr. Richard (Anna) Lanam & Gail Maloney, 6 grandchildren, Richard (Mary) Lanam, Amy (Ken) Warflar, Catherine (Derek) MacLennan, Sheila Maloney, Kathryn Maloney & Michael Maloney plus 8 great-grandchildren, Brittany Lanam, Ruaraidh, Una & Niamh MacLennan, & Pender, Kian, Ronan & Carys Lanam. She is proceeded in death by her husband, Richard Lanam, son-in-law, Michael Maloney and siblings, Bertha, Emma, Robert, Jacob, Rose & Irene. Memorial service to be held on April 9 at her home with an additional memorial service to be held in South Dakota during the summer. In lieu of flowers please remember Faith Hospice, 2100 Raybrook St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 or Klein Museum, 1820 W. Grand Crossing, Mobridge, SD 57601 where a memorial bench will be installed. Online condolences may be left at simplycremationservice.com The family wishes to thank Paul & Kellie of Faith Hospice for the loving care they showed her in her last 6 months. "Pauline always had a smile on her face, a kind word on her lips and a meal on the table for anyone who stopped in."