Polly Ann Christian

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Hastings College San Diego State University University of Nebraska

Polly Christian Obituary

Polly Ann Christian was born April 28, 1928 in Omaha, Nebraska and died peacefully, surrounded by family, in Colorado Springs June 14, 2006. She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Scott Christian, on January 10, 2000. Both were followers of Christ. The beloved daughter of the late Ralph and Pauline Rickly, Polly was drum majorette of O'Neill High School's marching band. Following graduation in 1946, she led Hastings College's marching band and was active in drama. She later attended the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, where she was a Chi Omega member. There she met Scott, and they married October 8, 1949 in Omaha. They lost infant son David Scott Christian in 1951. They have three living children: Becki Ann Ruther of San Diego, Rick Christian of Colorado Springs, and David Paul Christian of Los Angeles. Polly and Scott migrated westward through Denver, CO., and settled in San Diego to raise their children. She was a homemaker during their formative years and was active in Camp Fire Girls, Boy Scouts, Little League, Backyard Swim Program, and American Field Service. Polly served as president of John Paul Jones School's Parent Teacher Association, was a lifetime honorary member of the PTA and taught Sunday school many years. Polly completed her Bachelor's degree in 1965 at San Diego State College and subsequently taught third-fourth grade at Lafayette Elementary School. Polly and Scott moved to Colorado Springs in 1991. They were active members of Wilson United Methodist Church and the Garden of the Gods Club. Polly loved crossword puzzles, a good joke or bridge hand, Friday breakfasts with girlfriends, block parties, Sunday lunches after church, movies with her grandchildren, water aerobics, bonfires, board games, winters with her siblings' families in Florida, and the company of dear family, neighbors and friends. Polly is survived by her three children, and Florida siblings Ralph Rickly and Nan Dickinson. Her brother William Rickly preceded her in death by one day. Polly also leaves grandchildren: Andrea, Bradley and Tyler Christian; daughter-in-love, Debbie Ardan Christian, and step-grandchildren Ashley Valone, and Annelie, Ivan and Danielle Ardan. Visitation will be 5:00-7:00 p.m. Monday, June 19th at Swan-Law Mortuary, 501 N. Cascade Avenue. After a private family burial, a Memorial Service will be held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 20th, at First Baptist Church of Black Forest, 10915 Black Forest Road. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Global Action's "Buckets of Love" program (online at www.bucketsoflove.org or by calling 888-362-8253).

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Published by The Gazette on Jun. 18, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Polly Christian

2 Entries

Ralph and Bonnie Rickly

June 24, 2006

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2006

Leah Niedringhaus

June 24, 2006

My sincere sympathy to Polly's family. I was out of town when she passed away and only learned this week that she was gone. I have known her through church for several years and will miss her friendly spirit and her smile.

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