Paula Jo Grubbs, 87

February 13, 2025

Paula Jo Grubbs, 87, of Lancaster died peacefully on February 13, 2025, at Magnolias of Lancaster from Alzheimer’s. Born in Pittsburgh in 1938, she grew up in neighboring Oakmont and graduated from Oakmont High School, where she played clarinet in both band and orchestra. She was the daughter of Joseph and Pauline (Fox) Grubbs. Following her mother’s untimely death, Paula was raised by her father and stepmother, Roberta (Louden) Grubbs.

Paula is survived by her spouse Eileen J. Benner, whom she married in 2014. Also surviving are half-sisters Elizabeth Ann Agey (Robert) and Patricia Jane Grubbs as well as nephews, grandnephews, and a grandniece. She was predeceased by an older sister, Nancy Margaret Hamilton (William) and by her life partner of fifty years, Donna Mae Couy, who died in 2009.

Paula earned her undergraduate degree in Health Education and Social Studies at Slippery Rock State Teachers College and her master’s degree from Pennsylvania State University. She began her teaching career in 1959 at Hollidaysburg (PA) High School and moved to Lancaster in 1964 as a teacher of Health and Physical Education in the Eastern Lancaster County School District (Garden Spot) where, as Girl’s Field Hockey Coach, she led her team to the 1975 Lancaster County Championship. She also served as Chair of the Life Long Learning Department and for a short time as District Athletic Director, retiring in 1992.

Beneath the appearance of a gentle, unassuming professional educator, Paula was a passionate advocate for girls’ and women’s rights, animal well-being and mental and physical issues. Her causes included assuring state compliance with Title Nine mandates, rescuing abandoned cats, parent involvement in HIV education, and volunteering at the Lancaster County Therapeutic Horseback Riding Stables. She was also a proud member of the Girls Scouts of America both as a young camper at Camp Red Wing in Allegheny County and later as a Counselor and Instructor-in-Training.

An avid traveler, she enjoyed motoring throughout the United States with frequent extended stays at Delaware’s Rehoboth Beach and in Naples, Florida.

The Grubbs and Benner family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the entire staff of Magnolias of Lancaster and Grane Hospice for their unconditional care, love and support for Paula on her final journey.

Entombment will be private and held at the convenience of the family. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Grane Hospice Care, 1010 Plymouth Road, Suite D, York, PA 17402, or the Greystone Manor Therapeutic Riding Center, 1063 Hartman Station Road, Lancaster, PA 17601 or to your favorite charity.