Frances Pauline Loibner

Frances Pauline "Polly" Loibner, 94, formerly of North Little Rock died June 29, 2015, at Saline Memorial Hospital Hospice House in Bryant, Ark. She was born in Kensett on July 28, 1920. Loibner's family includes her four sons and wives, Steve and Sherry Loibner of Benton; Mike and Paula (deceased) Loibner of Rison; Craig and Julie Loibner of North Little Rock, Mark Loibner and Rose Akins of Fort Smith; nine grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren. Polly is preceded in death by her husband, Louis Albert "Bill" Loibner; her parents; three brothers; and a sister. Loibner may be best known as television's Miss Polly. In the late 60's, when television in the schools was almost unheard of, the Arkansas Education Television Network sought an art educator to teach elementary-age children across the state via the airwaves, and Loibner took the job. Miss Polly, using her signature puppets, became THE elementary art teacher for most Arkansans, producing thirteen art series for AETN, including "Polly's Paintbox," "Everyday Artist," "Art Parade," Sketch Pad," and "Gazebo." Following her fourteen years on AETN, Loibner once again became a trailblazer for art education in Arkansas, taking the position as artist-in-residence for Russellville Public Schools. When Loibner retired from being an educator, she and Bill opened Vango Galleries, billed "a home of fine arts and creative framing," in Russellville, Ark. Whether working as a teacher, draftsman, television personality, stay-at-home mom or small business owner, Loibner always made time for her first love: art. In fact, Loibner's paintings can be found in numerous collections, both public and private, across the United States, Mexico and United Arab Emirates. Loibner has been an active member of Mid-Southern Watercolor Society, Southern Watercolor Society, Arkansas League of Artists, National Art Education Association, Arkansas River Valley Art Center, Arkansas Education Association, ART of Russellville, AR Retired Teachers Association and Puppeteers of America. Bill and Polly lived in Chinmey Cliff, an A-frame home designed and built by Bill on the cliffs overlooking Lake Dardanelle. The family would like to express their appreciation to Saline Memorial Hospice for their compassionate and dedicated treatment of Polly during her lengthy illness. A special thank you to Micki Hull who displayed a sincere dedication beyond the call of duty. Arrangements made by Smith-Benton Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at Fellowship North Church, #1 52nd Place in North Little Rock, Ark., 2 p.m. Thursday, July 2nd. In memory of Polly, the family requests donations be made to Castle-Bluff.com. Online Guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.