Pauline “Polly” Rankin Reed

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.