Polly Q. Spencer

Though little more than 5 feet tall, Polly Q. Spencer lived life large for 88 ½ years until she passed away on May 24, 2015. No matter where she traveled or where she lived, she loved, laughed, and gave it her all. Polly was born on October 6, 1926, to Orville Claude and Mary Etta (Madge) Quattlebaum in Independence, KS. She grew up in Independence and in Coffeyville. While still in high school, Polly began singing in a big band, with a vocal talent that she would share throughout her life. She attended Coffeyville Junior College and she worked as a journalist, a chemist, a medical receptionist, and a cooking instructor. But for most of her adult life, she devoted her time to her family and to volunteer work in her community. Polly married Dr. Millard Spencer in Denver, Colorado. For many years they lived in Topeka, KS. While there, Polly was the first woman to be elected to the Vestry of Grace Cathedral. After fire destroyed the Cathedral, Polly headed the fundraising committee to rebuild, and she spearheaded a project to create Kansas- themed needlepoint kneelers. She also was known locally for her cooking spots on local television and her gourmet cooking instruction through her business “Every Day, It’s Gourmet!” Always active in local theater, she was in several productions and organized fundraising shows for the medical auxiliary. After their retirement, Mill and Polly relocated to Savannah, GA, where they enjoyed many years of beach-combing, golfing, and church activities. They then moved to Greenville, SC, near one of their sons, golfing on Glassy Mountain and making new friends. In 2006 they moved home to Kansas, settling in Lawrence, near their daughter, Deb. Their last move brought them to Oklahoma City in 2011, to be close to their daughter, Marilyn, and her family. Following her husband’s death in 2012, Polly became active in the Oklahoma Senior’s Cabaret, performing for the past two years in the annual show and in many smaller events. She also sang frequently at Epworth Villa, where she resided. She found new friends and a new church at St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church. Polly is survived by her five children: Marsha Sousa, Steve (Sarah) Crowder, Marilyn (Craig) Morris, Deborah (Susan Davis) Spencer, and Steve Spencer. She also leaves 13 grandchildren: Keane Crowder, Austin Sousa, Emily Sousa, Katherine (Matthew) Delvaux, Shelby Spencer, Connor Spencer, Riley Morris, Kelsie Morris, Cooper Morris, Beth (Josh) Every, Micah (Laurel) Bacon, Jessica McMahon, Susie (Sonny) Sapra; and 5 great-grandchildren: Lily, Olivia, Kent, Ajay, and Jaya. Many nieces, nephews, and cousins were fortunate to share her life as well. Polly and Mill traveled the world and made friends everywhere. They shared their joy, humor, and love with everyone, and left their marks on our hearts. Polly firmly believed that there was no difficulty that enough love could not conquer – no matter how deep the trouble, how hopeless the outlook, how muddled the tangle, or how great the mistake. Honor her memory by living your life in love and living it to the fullest. A celebration of Polly’s life will be held Monday, June 1, at 2 pm at St. Augustine of Canterbury Church in Oklahoma City. Donations in Polly’s memory may be made to St. Augustine of Canterbury Church, Oklahoma Senior’s Cabaret, or to the charity of your choice. Arrangements are being handled by Corbett Funeral Home. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Polly Q. Spencer please visit our Sympathy Store.