Pauline was born on March 29, 1920 to Robert and Marie Artist on a farm in Guthrie County near North Branch. She graduated from Guthrie Center High School and then attended Simpson College in Indianola. She taught school for two years before marrying Jack VandeBrake of Exira on August 13, 1942. Pauline returned to teaching in the elementary grades in Exira after their children Bob and Linda were in school. Jack and Pauline lived in Exira until 1972 when they moved to Des Moines and then to Indianola. They became members of the First Assembly of God Church in Indianola. In Indianola, Jack and Pauline started a Christian book store named The Dove's Tale. Their daughter Linda worked with them at the store. Pauline loved being with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She also enjoyed being involved with the various activities at her church.

Pauline is survived by a son, Bob VandeBrake and his wife, Dee of Broken Arrow, OK; daughter, Linda Shaw of Des Moines; two grandsons, John VandeBrake and wife, Cindy and Eric VandeBrake and wife, Karina; and granddaughters, Leah Gray and husband, Roger, Carrie Schaffer and husband, Rick and Brenda Kirkpatrick and husband, Doug. She enjoyed her 13 great grandchildren. Soon after the celebration of their 56th wedding anniversary, she was preceded in death by her husband, Jack on October 3, 1998.

Visitation will be held 4 – 8 p.m., Wednesday, January 16 at Overton Funeral Home where family will be present to greet friends from 6 – 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the family in her name for a charity in Des Moines.