Margaret Thelma Ely

Mrs. Margaret Thelma "Polly" Smiley Ely, age 102 years, of Jefferson City, Mo., died Friday, September 7, 2012, at the Capital Region Medical Center. Polly was born July 3, 1910, in Florida, Monroe County, Mo., the daughter of Ernest A. and Pearl Peak Smiley. She was married on October 6, 1929, in Perry, Ralls County, Mo., to O.T. Ely, who preceded her in death on July 3, 1990. Polly retired from the Missouri Department of Education in June, 1976, where she served as Diagnostic Clerk for the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation. Polly made her confession of faith at the First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, Perry, Mo. on December 23, 1923. She moved her membership to the First Christian Church in Jefferson City in the late 1940's. She became a member of the Lois Circle, Esther Circle, Coed Sunday School Class and the Chancel Choir. Polly has always loved her church and especially her Coed Sunday School Class. Her many friends helped her thru the death of her husband. She also felt happy and secure at her home surrounded by good neighbors and friends. She received great satisfaction from working in her yard and having a nice lawn and flowers, but her disability, osteoarthritis, changed her work schedule. Survivors include: two sons, Dr. William Tandy Ely and his wife Joan of Mountain Home, Ark. and Robert Gale Ely and his wife Camille of Lexington, Ky.; her grandchildren, Patricia Ely Church, Debbi Ely Taylor, and Gregory Ely; 10 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren; her nieces and nephews, Betty Hirsch, Marcia Spacek and her husband Cliff, Barbara Jo Gilbin, Carey Cole and his wife Mary, Dr. Ron Cole, and Charles Ely and his wife Meg. She was preceded in death by her infant son, husband, parents, one sister, Leora Dunn, and one brother, Charles Albert "Jack" Smiley. Polly was the last one of her biological family. Visitation will be at the First Christian Church from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 29, 2012. A memorial service will be conducted at 11:00 a.M., Saturday, September 29, 2012, at the First Christian Church with the Reverend Donald Carter officiating. Entombment will be in the Mausoleum of Hawthorn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the First Christian Church or the charity of their choice. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com