Nola Pauline (Polly) Thomas Fowler

Columbiana

Polly Fowler of Columbiana passed away on Nov. 26, 2012. Born in 1917 in Mason City, Iowa, she was raised in Kokomo, Ind. She was married to Harry Leland Fowler whose Army service during World War II moved them around the nation, from Mississippi to Florida to Arizona to Kansas. After the war they settled in Indianapolis, Ind., until job promotions moved them to Arlington Heights, Ill.; Charlotte, N.C.; Birmingham; Atlanta, Ga.; and finally Palatine, Ill. They enjoyed their retirement years on the lake in Gainesville, Ga. Mrs. Fowler moved to Shelby County in 1998 to be near her family. She celebrated her 95th birthday on Nov. 17 with 11 family members in attendance.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Harry Fowler; her parents, Maude and U. G. Thomas of Kokomo, Ind.; and three brothers. She is survived by her son, Stephen Fowler (Carole) of Henderson, Nev.; two daughters, Beth Strickland (Jim) of Columbiana and Jinnie Fertal of Florida; six grandchildren, Kathy Dougherty (Charlie) of Troy, Mich., Dan Fowler (Leana) of Redwood City, Calif., Lisa Strickland Davis (Darrell) of Columbiana, Chris Strickland (Mindy) of Homewood, and Georgia and Domenica Fertal of Peachtree City, Ga.; and their father, George Fertal. She is also survived by six great-grandchildren, Matt, Jill, Derrick, Devin, Mary Molloy and Ellis.

She was beloved by her family as “Gram” and will be fondly remembered by those far-flung friends who survive her. Her homemade chicken and noodles were loved by all who tasted them and duplicated by none who tried. The family appreciates the loving care given to “Miss Polly” by the staff of Columbiana Health and Rehabilitation, and by special friends Pat, Carol, Ann, Kathy and especially Sue. The family will gather to celebrate her life at a later date.