Paulus grew up poor in eastern Oregon before teaching herself to be a legal secretary. She went on to law school, despite not attending college, according to biographers.
Eventually, Paulus got involved in politics and, in 1970, won an election to the Oregon House of Representatives. From there, she was elected as Oregon’s first female secretary of state, making her the first woman to hold a state-wide elected position in Oregon.
Paulus’ career spanned decades of public service.
She died early Thursday after spending time in a hospice.
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