- Date Of Birth: December 22, 1933
- Date Of Death: September 15, 2016
- State: Iowa
Mary Pauline Allen
“Polly”
Mary Pauline Allen, best known as Polly, was born on December 22, 1933 to John and Rose Caylor. A sister, Rita, joined the family when Polly was ten.
Polly always loved animals, often speaking fondly of the good times she had riding horses with her friends all over the small town of Chariton, where she grew up. She learned to play the piano as a child, which became a lifetime joy and solace to her and a way to share her love of life with others.
Polly attended school in Chariton. During her junior year she began dating a fellow classmate, Jack Allen. They graduated from high school and married in 1952. Jack joined the Navy and Polly followed him to California where he was stationed. They were two 18 year old kids, with their first child on the way. When Jack was on ship duty, Polly returned to Chariton to raise their growing family; Steve born in 1952, Patti in 1954 and Judy, lost at birth, in 1955.
Jack began his career in sales after 4 years in the Navy. Polly continued to raise their family, adding Angie in 1959 and Shari in 1962. Polly was an interactive mother and grandmother, well loved by her children and grandchildren. Family vacations were spent in Colorado, Arizona and Disney Land in California. Polly was always the first to spot the mountain tops and the wildlife hidden in the landscape. Jack and Polly enjoyed many cruises and trips with friends over the years and spent several winters going to Destin, Florida. They always insured they had a three bedroom condo so family could come spend time and enjoy walks on the beach that Polly so loved. Polly’s girls have such wonderful memories of the fun and laughs they had on trips with their mother to New Orleans and on Caribbean cruises.
It can’t be forgotten that Polly was well known for Polly’s Ice Cream and her friendly smile and love of interacting with the public. Polly also truly enjoyed playing her piano, not only at home, but with friends and in the community. She brought fun, laughter and good times with her always.
Polly was a great athlete, as well. Softball, bowling and her biggest love, golf. She had a fierce competitiveness and drive to win. She was a force to be reckoned with on the golf course, winning the club championship and almost a sure bet to win, place, or show in the sole survivor tournaments.
Polly is best known for her laugh, kindness and fun loving nature. She was always up for an adventure, especially if it included her children and grandchildren. Her family and friends all have so many great memories of trips, parties, boating on the lake, eating her fabulous fried chicken and potato salad and listening to the sound of her laugh and watching her enjoy those special times. She will be sorely missed.
Polly was preceded in death by her husband, Jack, parents, John and Rose Caylor, infant daughter, Judy, grandson, Scott Allen and great grandson Kayden VanDyne.
Polly is survived by her son Steve (Melody) Allen of Chariton, daughters Patti (Jim) Webster of Chariton, Angie (Stan) McDonald of Chariton, and Shari (Kevin) Johnson of Chariton and sister Rita Herber of Red Oak, Iowa; 8 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
