Pauline "Polly" Abbott

Pauline LaVon Abbott, 89, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 20, 2019 in Pocatello, Idaho. Polly was born on September 11, 1921 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Ralph and Gladys Plant. She was the fourth of four children. She grew up in Salt Lake City.

She was a gifted student who graduated from Granite High School as Valedictorian. She majored in education at the University of Utah. While at the university she received many awards and was editor of the yearbook.

Many years later after Lael retired she obtained her master's in special education and school administration. Education was a passion for Polly throughout her life. Polly was a teacher and a principal throughout Lael's military career. Polly was a principal at Downey Elementary School, Director of Special Education and Curriculum Superintendent for Marsh Valley School District in Idaho.

Polly was extremely intelligent (MENSA). She was a voracious reader. Polly was driven charismatic and charming. Polly married Lael James Abbott on August 21, 1952. Polly and Lael have been married 66 years. They are the parents of two children, Scott and Danae. Danae is married to Don Head. They have two grandchildren, Davonne and Dylan and on great grandchild, Juniper James.

Lael was a US Army Officer of 20 years. During Lael's career they lived in Japan, Turkey and Germany as well as various posts in the United States. Polly had a love for traveling, especially in Japan and Turkey. Polly enjoyed officer-wife activities and entertaining. She was an excellent cook.

Upon retirement in 1972 the couple moved to Swan Lake, Idaho where Lael ran the ranch and Polly became principal at Downey Elementary. Polly and Lael retired to Pocatello in 1992. They continued their traveling and enjoyed wintering in Texas and Arizona.

Polly was a loving mother and wife. She was driven to encourage her children in life.

Funeral services for Polly will be held on Friday, January 25, 2019 at Wilks Funeral Home 211 W. Chubbuck Road. Interment will follow services in Restlawn Memorial Gardens.

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