Pauline “Polly” Rankin Reed
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Pauline “Polly” Rankin Reed, 88, died September 22, 2011, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Lawrence, Kansas. A celebration of her life is planned for 11 am on Monday, 17 Oct 2011 at Plymouth Congregational Church. Inurnment will be private and held at Pioneer Cemetery on the KU campus.
Polly was born on January 14, 1923, in Lawrence, Kansas, the daughter of Paul C. and Nita (Constant) Rankin. She was a lifelong resident of Lawrence.
She married Dr. James Sidney Reed on June 22, 1952. He preceded her in death on March 20, 1997. They met as freshman of the class of 1945 at the University of Kansas. She had a degree in and worked as an occupational therapist in Wisconsin and Kansas City.
She enjoyed traveling the world with Jim. In 1972, he left his local medical practice to become a Medical Attaché with the U.S. Department of State, beginning 11 years of living overseas in many different countries including Thailand, South Vietnam, Nepal, Ethiopia, Kuwait, and Uruguay, returning to Lawrence at the end of his service.
Polly was a member of Plymouth Congregational Church, Plymouth Women, P.E.O., Tri Delta Sorority, Ventura Club, DAR, University Women’s Club, KU Retirees Club and Gourmet Group, and was also a Girl Scout Leader and a Cub Scout Den Mother. Polly was a talented and creative artist and crafter who loved to craft, sew, and make dolls. She was a member of local interest groups including Doll Club, KU Antique Club, Needlework Club, and a quilt group. She reached the formal level of a Master Doll Maker with a doll guild.
Survivors include: one son, Ralph P. Reed, and his wife, Dorothy, Lawrence; one daughter, Jane Reed Wilson and husband, Joseph, Philadelphia, PA; three grandchildren, Glenn, Eddie, and Tara; and three great-grandchildren, Chelsey, Alek and Lenissa; nephews Bob Scribner, Paul Rankin, David Leffingwell, and niece Jennie Ironwing. She is pre-deceased by her brother, Charles Rankin, and a nephew, Bruce Leffingwell.
Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the University of Kansas Endowment Association and may be sent in care of the mortuary.
Memorial contributions may also be sent to the International Peace Scholarship Fund through P.E.O. International.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Polly Reed is an exceptional ambassador for the human race: inventive, loving, & living a life both broad in range and deep in everything that matters. We will miss Polly beyond words.
Polly was the kind and charming mother of my dear friend Jane. I’m glad I got to know her and I will always remember her.
My deepest sympathy. It is so hard to loose a mother and best friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Our deepest condolences.
She sounds like an amazing woman. My prayers are on the way.
sorry to hear bout pauline
she was a nice lady ill miss her she has a smile that could lite up a room god bless robyn
I’m very sorry for your loss. Sending prayers for you and your family.
In the late 1960’s I spent time with Polly in Thailand as we shared membership in P.E.O. and enjoyed social meetings in Bangkok. After Thailand we didn’t keep touch and somehow I never met you, Jane, until years later when we shared our P.E.O. sisterhood in MA as members of Ch. G. That’s when I saw Polly again. How curious the paths we cross in a lifetime. I can only say that “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” and I know that much of who you are, Jane, reflects your Mom. I understand the void the family feels and I know you will hold fast to Polly’s spirit and keep it alive and well. Joan Ford
I’m very touched by the “Mom therapy” your mother gave us, Jane. Her big heart and love for people extends all through your family, and she will not be forgotten. I am privileged to have met her at the wedding, and the stories of her love for and interest in young people are especially dear to me.
I remember Mrs. Reed as someone who always stepped in to help with whatever needed doing. But she was just as comfortable sharing a chat and a quiet scenic view with you. We will miss her and send our love to the wonderful family she leaves here.
polly and I have had so much in common she will always be a part of me
Though Polly did not personally know me she still blessed me with her kindness in a time of need, a testimony of her generous nature. Having the honor to work with Ralph I can also witness that Polly provided an exceptional son who portrays the highest of character that comes from having an exceptional mother. We are blessed to have her love and wisdom continue into the future through Ralph and Jane and all others who grew from her sage and spirit. Thank you, Polly.
I was lucky enough to spend some time with Polly during the very joyous occasion of Jane’s marriage to Joseph. She was a lovely person,a smart woman-very warm and insightful.Jane and Ralph were blessed by God to have such a warm caring mother. She will be missed by many.
Oh Polly, you were such a fun person to know. We could talk about all the dolls, people, and places we’d been. I will miss your sharp eye for the world around you. I also recall how aware you were of dolls and designs The world was richer for you being there.
My sympathy on your loss. May you find comfort in knowing others care. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Jane,
I am so very sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. What a wonderful life of service, creativity and love she lived – a shining example to us all. I wish I could have known her. Sending my heartfelt condolences. There is nothing quite like losing your mom – one is never the same. Love, Debbi
Jane, I am so very sorry to hear about your mom. She is part of my fond memories from grade school, and I know you will miss her. What an interesting life she had. Take care, Love Ruth Anne
Polly is indeed so much a part of you, in some ways she will never be truly gone. Yes, I have been reading your Facebook messages. God bless your family and know that you are loved by many. I know that you know full well your mother loved you dearly. May she rest in peace and may peace flow to all of you like a river.
I am so sorry to hear about the lost of your mother. My thoughts & prayers go out to you & your family. Take Care.
She has a lasting legacy.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this time and always.
Our Father has called this wonderful woman home and our prayers for her family are given from ours.
Ralph and Dorothy, Both of you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May you find comfort in your many friends and extended family.
My dear Jane,
On behalf of your P.E.O. chapter E-PA, I send heartfelt condolences and much love to you.
Hoping to see you soon.
Alice-Blake Simonson
We will miss Polly a great deal and send our condolences to the entire family.
We enjoyed many happy days with Polly & Jim in Montevideo and back in Washington, Boston and Lawrence.
I am saddened to hear about the loss in your family. I hope you find peace.