In Memory of Pauline (Polly) Baker Welburn

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Pauline (Polly) Baker Welburn, aged 92, on Sunday, January 14, 2024, at her residence in Glen Eagle, Traverse City, Michigan. Polly was born on September 21, 1931, in Big Rapids, Michigan, to Grover and Dora Baker.

Polly married Dan Welburn on September 6, 1952, in Otsego, Michigan, and together they built a life filled with love and shared adventures. They were able to celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary together in 2022. Polly earned her BA of Education from Western Michigan University and was a dedicated educator, embodying the values of knowledge and learning.

Throughout her life, Polly was a trailblazer and entrepreneur. She was the Owner and Operator of Polly's Needlepoint Shop in Onekama, Michigan, and later co-owned and operated The Skein Haus in Lansing, Michigan, as well as Polly's Yarn Shop in Onekama. Her passion for creativity and craftsmanship touched the lives of many.

Polly resided in various places, including Big Rapids, Otsego, Fort Benning, Georgia, Battle Creek, East Lansing, Onekama, The Villages, Florida, and Traverse City, Michigan. She cherished the memories made in each location and left a lasting impact on the communities she was a part of.

As an avid reader, Polly was a supporter of public libraries. Polly found joy in puzzles, knitting, sewing, needlepoint, and was a master gardener and enjoyed fine arts. She was also a dedicated advocate for women's causes and was actively involved in organizations such as the American Association of University Women and The Mother Bear Project.

Polly is survived by her loving children, John (Anne), Tom (Marcy), and Mary (Barry) Wall, all of Traverse City, Michigan. She will be remembered fondly by her grandchildren Jessica (Ryan) Geetings, Andy (Sarah) Welburn, Scott (Dallas) Welburn, Forrest Kreider, Nick (Katie Bethel) Kreider, Rich (Alexia) Ruelas, as well as her great-grandchildren Aiden, Addison, Austin, Autumn Geetings, Riley, Logan Welburn, Grey Welburn, Enzo, Mateo, and Alena Ruelas.

She is predeceased by her beloved spouse, Dan Welburn, in October 2022, and grandchildren Brian Welburn in August 2023 and Joe Welburn in April 2010.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at 10:00 am, followed by a service at 11:00 am at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home in Traverse City, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made to the Grand Traverse Land Conservancy in memory of Polly Welburn, supporting a cause that was dear to her heart.

May Polly's vibrant spirit and the cherished memories she created bring comfort to all who knew and loved her. Please share your cherished memories about Polly with her family at www.Reynolds Jonkhoff.com