Pauline Pollock, 91, of Grinnell passed away peacefully Saturday morning, September 26th, at The Mayflower Home.

Pauline was born on March 8th, 1935 in Mercer, MO to Laurel and Uarda Mae Barritt. She later married Harley Lewis Pollock on December 25, 1951 and together they were blessed with four children: Kathy, Steve, Laurel, and Bill. As they continued to grow their family, they made their way to Iowa, eventually settling in Grinnell. It was there that Pauline would put down her own roots and make a home for her and her children for the next 60 years.

Over the years she worked in restaurants in both Missouri and Iowa, Miracle Recreation, and Maytag Corporation before retiring from the Grinnell Community School District. Working in the kitchen at the school gave her great joy and she loved all of those kids as her own.

Pauline loved flowers, knitting and crocheting, birds, pizza, a cold mug of beer or a stiff screwdriver, Elvis, and all the beautiful things in life. Above all else she loved her family with her whole heart. Nothing brought her more joy than having a house full of her kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. She had a special knack for knowing what everyone needed before they did. Whether it was their favorite home cooked meal, ice cream treat, or drink of choice, she had it ready for you when you walked in the door. If you ever left Pauline’s house hungry, it was your own fault! She always had something ready to keep the grandkids busy. There were always strawberries and raspberries to pick in the garden, even though most never made it into the house. There was always a tree that needed climbing. She was insanely ornery and was always helping in the grandkid’s shenanigans. Particularly to convince her kids that the grandkids were too tired to go home and they needed to stay for a slumber party in the middle of the living room. It was here that she always agreed to watch their favorite movies for the 100th time.

Pauline will forever be missed by her adoring family: Her sister, Mary Vinzant. Her children: Kathy Manatt of Grinnell, Steve (Robin) Pollock of Grinnell, daughter in law Shelly Pollock of Independence, MO, and Bill (Barbie) Pollock of Surprise, AZ. Her grandchildren Kim (Tony Robinson) Manatt of Rancho Cucamonga, CA, Shawn (Cecily) Carpenter of Montezuma, IA, Jason (Mindy) Pollock of Newton, IA, Josh (Kristina) Pollock of Des Moines, IA, Kelsey (Seth) Bryan of Olathe, KS, Alea Slater of Lynnville, IA, Bryton Pollock of Wichita, KS, Grant (Candace Dolash) Pollock of Grinnell, IA, and Samantha Pollock of Knoxville, IA. In addition, she leaves behind many great grandchildren whom she adored.

Welcoming her into Heaven with open arms are her parents, Laurel and Uarda Mae Barritt, siblings Della Mae Whitley, Jimmy Barritt, Calvin Barritt, twin brother Paul Barritt, and Ruby Lukehart, son, Laurel Pollock, grandson, Zachariah Pollock, and many wonderful friends.

The family would like say a million thank yous to The Mayflower Home and to St Croix Hospice. Thank you for taking care of her loving her as much as we did. Your kindness and love will forever be remembered.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be designated to St Croix Hospice. Cards and memorials may be mailed in care of Smith Funeral Home, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112.