Pollyanna Grafner

Pollyanna Grafner, 91, passed away peacefully at Ratliff Care Center, with her family by her side, Thursday, Feb 15, 2018.

She was born Jan. 26, 1927, in Osceola, Arkansas, to Rufus Addison and Floy Mabel Ramsey. She married the love of her life, Oscar Anton Grafner, June 20, 1951 in Cape Girardeau. He preceded her in death Dec. 3, 1965.

Polly was a graduate of Cape Girardeau Central High School, where she proudly reminisced about her days as a cheerleader. She continued to cheer on her kids and grandkids in all their endeavors. She also remained active on the class reunion planning committee.

She had jobs with Communications Workers of America, Southwestern Bell and Lambert Fabrics, before retiring from Saint Francis Medical Center in 1988 as the switchboard supervisor.

Polly was a charter member of LaCroix United Methodist Church, where she volunteered on several ministries, but especially loved Pastor Ron and her Monday morning small group.

Polly's main calling was devoting her life to loving and raising her four daughters, Toni (Les Bottoms) Grafner of Houston; Sylvia (Bob) Ray of St. Louis and Barbara "Bipi" (Frank) McGinty and Lisa (Doug) Friese, both of Cape Girardeau. She was also dedicated to loving and being active to 11 grandchildren, Lisa Peterson, Frank McGinty Jr., Foster (Chelsea) McGinty, Eric Ray, Allie (Brett) Israelson, Max (Jen Mouser) Friese, Molly (Brett Crain) Ray, Shelby (Aaron) Taffet, Vince (Lisa Gruwell) Friese, Sydney (Matt) Delagi and Fletcher McGinty; and eight great-grandchildren, Franklin McGinty III, Ramsey McGinty, Ellen Israelson, Sydney Israelson, Lyric Pollyanna "Juliet" McGinty, Lukas Peterson, Jack Peterson and Tyler Peterson.

She is survived by her daughters, grandchildren and a sister, Kathryn Rose Riddle of Cape Girardeau.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents and two sisters, Beatrice Rydstrom and Floy Allie Sample.

Friends may call from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday at LaCroix United Methodist Church in Cape Girardeau.

A memorial service will follow at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Ron Watts officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to LaCroix United Methodist Church or Legacy Hospice.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.