Pauline L. Powelke

PAULINE L. POWELKE, 99, of Little Rock, died Wednesday, Jan. 3. A loving mother, wife and friend to many, she will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Born in England, Ark., she was the daughter of Jessie and Carl McGraw. She is preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, Herman J. Powelke, her son Michael Baker, sisters and brothers Ali Mae, Virginia, Carl, George and Clifton. She is survived by her son Patrick Baker of Fort Myers, Fla., her daughter Gayle Page of Maumelle, Ark., brother Ralph McGraw of Memphis, Tenn., and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Pauline, or Polly as she was fondly known, was a devoted wife and mother who worked many jobs, most notably in Circulation with the Arkansas Democrat and Arkansas Gazette. Polly had a flair for music and writing. She wrote poetry and taught herself to play piano, never having taken a lesson. A tremendous cook, she would prepare meals with vegetables from Herman's garden and sportingly accompanied him to Lake Conway each weekend for many years where she skipped the fishing and would retreat to her books and prepare meals. She never learned to drive a car, yet raised a daughter and two sons. She was regimented and committed to schedules, loved playing cards and board games with her grandchildren and kept her home immaculately clean and organized. The family gives their heartfelt thanks to the nursing staff of The Lakes at Maumelle and Kindred Hospice for the care given to Polly during her final years. And they draw comfort in knowing she is reunited with Herman, the love of her life. A private memorial service will be attended by the family at North Little Rock Funeral Home on Monday at 10 a.m. with burial to follow at Edgewood Memorial Park.