With great sadness we announce the passing of Polly Gallanger at the age of almost 83 years. She waited until her beloved younger sister Barbie could be by her side before she let go to soar to Heaven, surrounded also by her husband Cliff and daughters.

Polly was born in Athol , Massachusetts in 1933, moving out to Coupeville , Washington when she was 4 years old. Her family later moved to Sedro Woolley where she became high school sweethearts with Cliff Gallanger. They married a year after high school on July 25, 1952, and moved to Pullman while Cliff attended college. He joined the Air Force in 1955 to become a fighter pilot and Polly became an Officer's wife, taking on the challenging job of raising 4 children while enduring the hectic pace of a military lifestyle. They lived in 7 different states in the "lower 48" before moving to the last Frontier – Alaska . It was there Polly discovered the latent artist hidden deep within.

Polly was an extremely passionate, creative and energetic person, with a terrific laugh that was contagious. She made fast friends everywhere she lived. Through life Polly developed a deep relationship with the Lord, ministering in many ways, through churches she belonged to, teaching Sunday School and confirmation classes, and corresponding with missionaries. One of her strongest passions was working with people who were in need, whether it was helping the mentally ill, assisting women and children who were in a crisis from domestic violence (doing Safe Home for several years in Mt. Vernon), ministering to those who needed faith, or helping to counsel friends and loved ones who were going through an illness or sadness in their life. Over the years Polly and Cliff welcomed numerous people into their home who were in need, allowing them to stay as long as they wanted.

Polly's creative passions were many. Besides being an artist, Polly was an accomplished seamstress. She also wrote many children's stories that she had hoped to someday publish. Through her love of children, Polly developed a special infatuation with puppets, starting her own little business called "Polly's Puppets" where she did children's birthday's and bible ministry. This new passion used all of her creative talents: writing puppet scripts, creating and sewing her own unique puppets, and painting theater backdrops.

Polly leaves her husband of 64 years and a day, Cliff Gallanger; her children Bill Gallanger of Anchorage, AK, Susan Braley (Brian) of Olympia, WA, Mary Head (Joe) of Vancouver, WA, and Caren Gallanger of Mt. Vernon, WA; grandchildren Becky Conn (Chris) of Columbus, IN, Jason Head of Portland, OR, Bridget Braley of Juneau, AK, and Melissa Head of Couer d'Alene, ID; and her first great grandbaby Lillian Louise Conn. She is also survived by her beloved little sister Barbie Colledge (Charles) of Bozman , Maryland , as well as numerous nieces and nephews. And least we forget, she leaves behind her 3 little puppy dogs—Scooby, Fuzzy, and Jamey.

The family would like to thank the loving and supportive staff at Mira Vista Care Center in Mt. Vernon for their compassionate care of Polly during her final months.

Memorial donations or volunteering in Polly's honor can be made to "Helping Hearts and Hands" (www.Helping HeartsAndHands.org) or to a charity of your choice.