Pauline "Polly" Martin

Pauline "Polly" Gilmore Martin, 91, died December 9, 2020.  Born in Little Rock, she was the daughter of Pauline Kirspel and Joe Gilmore.  She was preceded in death by her husband, W.R. “Dick” Martin, daughter, Pam Martin, brother, Jim Gilmore and sister, Jane McDowell Williams.

Polly graduated from Mount St. Mary’s and attended LeClair College in Belleville, Ill.  She received her radiology technician degree from UAMS and worked for Dr. Wm. Grey of Hot Springs and Dr. Barton Rhinehart in Little Rock.  In 1956, Polly married Dick Martin.  She was a devoted military wife and after Dick’s retirement from the Army, she supported him in his ventures with Pet Kingdom and Martin-McDaniel Realty.  Volunteer activities included serving as president of the Officers Wives Club in Illesheim, Germany, and supporting Girl Scouts, Meals on Wheels/ Care Links and St. Vincent’s Infirmary.  She was an avid bowler who was state champion in the over-75 age bracket.  Polly was a devout Catholic and a member of Christ the King Church.

Polly is survived by her son, W.R. “Rick” Martin Jr. (Laurie), of Ventura, California, two daughters, Lori Ritchie (Steve) and Kay Jaco (John), both of Little Rock, and “borrowed” son, Baxter Sharp (Rick Pruitt); eight grandchildren: Nicole Martin, Noelle Martin, Nathan Ritchie, Meagan Dwyer, Adam Ritchie, Patrick Dwyer, Sloan Jaco and Conner Jaco; five great grandchildren; and her sister, Selma Metzger Hardin (Howard) of Little Rock.

Rosary will be at 1:00 p.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 1:30 p.m. on December 15, 2020 at Christ the King Catholic Church.  Interment will immediately follow at Calvary Cemetery.  Memorials can be made to The Allen School at 824 S. Tyler Street, Little Rock, AR 72205 or Christ the King Church. Covid-19 guidelines for masks and social distancing will be followed.

Service will be Live streamed at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLCQF2okEX6gKbKLOoGPiA

Arrangements by Smith Little Rock Funeral Home, (501)224-2200.  Polly’s online guestbook may be signed at www.smithfamilycares.com.