Flora Mae Grandstaff-Cooley, also known by everyone who loved her, as “Polly,” was born in Birch Tree, Missouri on, February 20, 1933, the daughter of Opal (Oliver) Grandstaff and Oren Grandstaff.
In 1949, at the age of 16, she was united in marriage to Johnny Ivan Cooley of Winona, Missouri. Polly and Ivan had two children, who survive them, Vickie Lynn (Cooley) Glassman and Johnny Ray Cooley, both of Van Buren, Missouri.
She is also survived by her brothers, Lester “Buck” Grandstaff of Winona, MO, LeRoy Grandstaff and wife Kay, of Birch Tree, MO; seven grandchildren, Ami Zijlstra and husband Ijme of Grass Lake, MI, Julie Harris and husband, Richard of Clinton, MI, Joshua Glassman and fiancé Rebecca Rose of Charlotte, NC, Caleb Cooley, of Potosi, MO, Heather Smith of Eminence, MO, Jeffery Daniels of Mountain View, MO, and Ivan Cooley of MO; great-grandchildren, Ryan Claire Harris and fiancé Vaughn Green of MI, Ethan Smith and Hannah Smith of MO; and five great-great-grandchildren.
Polly’s family includes nieces and nephews who love, “Aunt Polly.” Her many friends tell us that Mom was always smiling and laughing when she greeted them with a hug.
Mom loved music and dancing. As she moved around the dance floor with grace, dignity, and a smile, we knew she was at her happiest. “MAMA, WE KNOW YOU ARE DANCING IN HEAVEN. KEEP ON SMILING.”
Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday November 9, 2020, in Pine Lawn Cemetery, Winona, Missouri with Brother Dan Harvey officiating under the direction of Yarber Mortuary, Winona, Missouri. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Condolences may be expressed at www.yarbermortuary.com.
