Pauline "Polly" Mae Strange

Pauline “Polly” Mae Strange, 90, of Ellsworth, passed away September 17, 2025 in Traverse City.

   She was born on October 23, 1934, in Banks Township, the daughter of Maynard and Pearl (DeVries) Alward.

   Polly worked for the U.S. Post Office in Ellsworth for many years while helping her late husband Leonard in all his work endeavors.   Her kitchen was the heart of her home, where she enjoyed cooking and canning for her family throughout the years.   She also loved to read and her Bible was ALWAYS close by.

   Above all, she dedicated her life to her family and the Lord.  Through the years she held memberships at the Ellsworth Pilgrim Holyness Church (currently Wesleyan Church), BellTower Reformed Church and most recently the Ellsworth Christian Reformed Church.

   On September 21, 1951, in Ellsworth, she married Leonard O. Strange who preceded her in death.   Also preceding her in death were 2 sisters, Shirley Farrell, Donna Heeres, 2 brothers Bill Alward , Jerry Alward, sister-in-law Sandy Alward as well as her parents.

   Surviving are 5 children, Dan Strange of Ellsworth, Greg (Noreen) Strange of Charlevoix, Colleen (Kurt) Hesse of Bradenton, FL, Brenda Drenth (Fred) of Sebewaing, MI, and Gary (Paula) Strange of Charlevoix.   Also surviving are a brother Ray Alward (Ruth) of East Jordan, sister Betty Alward of East Jordan, brother-in-law Chuck Farrell of Ellsworth, sister-in-law Jeanne Alward of Ellsworth, 21 grandchildren and 40 great-grandchildren.

   Visitation will be held on Monday, September 22 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Ellsworth Christian Reformed Church.   Celebration of Life will take place Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at 1:00 p.m., with Rev. Carl Leep officiating. Visitation will also be held Tuesday, from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the church.  Graveside Services will follow in Atwood Cemetery, Banks Township.

   Memorial contributions may be made to the Front Porch in Ellsworth, P.O. Box 37, Ellsworth, MI 49729.

Arrangements are under the care of the Ellsworth Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  Please sign her online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.