Mary Ellen Polley

Mary Ellen Polley June 30, 1930 – May 11, 2018    Mary Ellen Polley, age 87, of Park Rapids, MN, peacefully entered the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on May 11, 2018.    Mary was born on June 30, 1930, weighing 1 lb, 10 oz, in Minneapolis, MN to Loren and Lydia (Fuhrman) Franklin. Mary graduated from Washburn High School, Minneapolis, in the class of 1948. As a young woman, she worked for her father in his plant nursery and vegetable farm. Her father developed a number of peony varieties and named one of his most beautiful hybrids “Mary Ellen” after his daughter. Mary was active athletically; she loved to downhill ski and play tennis. At the age of 17, following a Youth for Christ meeting in Minneapolis, Mary made the most important decision of her life – accepting Jesus Christ as her personal Savior. Mary attended the U of MN and obtained a liberal arts degree. She also attended Glenwood Hills Hospitals School of Nursing where she earned her diploma in psychiatric nursing.    On September 12, 1952, she was united in marriage to LeRoy Polley. Their marriage was blessed with two sons: Michael and Kenneth. The young couple purchased an old farm house and some land near Plymouth, MN where Mary energetically began the major project of remodeling her new home. One of the hobbies Mary most enjoyed was drawing up floor plans for houses and cabins. One of the houses she designed was their new home in Plymouth that her husband and brother-in-law built. Following the death of her husband, Mary lived near Medicine Lake before designing and building a log home in Zimmerman, MN.    Mary chose a career as a stay-at-home mom, investing faithfully into the lives of her family. Mary valued the relationships in her life. She dearly loved her children, her daughters by marriage, and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mary maintained many long-term friendships from childhood, churches, and Bible studies. She delighted in playing games with family and friends. Mary enjoyed the challenge of jigsaw and crossword puzzles. She loved extending hospitality, going for walks, collecting bottles, and antique shopping.    In April 2010, Mary left her home in Zimmerman, MN and moved to Park Rapids to be close to her son, Ken and his family.    Mary will be lovingly remembered by her two sons: Michael Polley of Plymouth, MN; Dr. Kenneth (Lorelei) Polley of Park Rapids, MN; former daughter-in-law Linda Polley of Canyon, TX; 6 grandchildren: Sarah (Brian) Graber of Canyon, TX; John (Diedra) Polley of Canyon, TX; Michael (Joanna) Polley of Minneapolis, MN; Seth Polley of Peoria, AZ; Sean (Karla) Polley of Argyle, MN; Jenna (Luke) Quanbeck of Fargo, ND; 6 great-grandchildren; and many dear friends.    Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 41 years, LeRoy, and 2 brothers, James and Robert.    Funeral services will be 2 PM Friday, May 18, 2018 at the Faithbridge Church in Park Rapids, MN with her son, the Rev. Dr. Kenneth Polley officiating. Visitation will begin at the church one hour prior to the service. The organist will be Jan Henderson. Graveside services will be 2 PM Saturday, May 19th at the Crystal Lake Cemetery in Minneapolis next to her husband LeRoy.       To leave on line condolences or view the video tribute please visit www.jonespearson.com