Pauline “Polly” Chandler Grindstaff, 85, passed away peacefully on Oct. 11, 2025, in Burns. A proud Lakeview native, Polly was born on Nov. 8, 1939, to Doyle and Emma Chandler. Her warmth, witty, and boundless energy left an enduring mark on everyone fortunate enough to know her. Polly’s life was rooted in family tradition. Her family will carry her spirit forward with joy, perseverance, and love of life.

Growing up in Lakeview, Polly’s zest for life was evident from an early age. She was a descendant of the well-known Chandler family raising sheep, cattle in Crooked Creek and the Jacobs family that moved to Lakeview from Wisconsin for the logging industry. Her sister, Delores, passed as an infant which left a deep scar on her family. Her cousin, Patsy and her grandma, Pauline Chandler, became a fixture in her life, and they remained close for their lifetime.

Polly was an athletic and spirited young woman who loved skating—both on the ice and at the roller rink. She was a baton majorette, avid swimmer and played the piano. A graduate of Lakeview High School, she carried that same enthusiasm into adulthood, embracing each chapter of life with resilience and her signature sparkle.

Polly married her high school sweetheart, Glenn Grindstaff, at age 17, beginning a partnership that would span decades of love, laughter, and devotion. Together they built a life grounded in hard work, shared dreams, and affection. They started their family early while in Lakeview with Jackie and Larry joining the family. They moved from ranches in Lake County to Wagontire, Double O and Sodhouse, where Kristi was born. Grandchildren were born during their time in Sodhouse and after the flood, they then moved to their ranch on Foley Drive in Burns. The two cultivated close lifelong friends everywhere they lived.

Polly embraced the role of ranch wife and homemaker with enthusiasm and no shortage of style. Whether preparing hearty meals for hungry ranch crews or organizing family gatherings that turned into lively celebrations, she brought the same grace and liveliness to everything she did. If she was not preparing a delicious meal, she might be found in the hayfields helping Marcus Haines. Her recipes along with her close friend Edna Haines will be carried on for traditions. Known affectionately by everyone, she was rarely without a bright smile and a perfectly chosen outfit, always dolled up with pretty jewelry to match. (she did love to shop!)

Her love of the outdoors mirrored her adventurous spirit. Polly was happy near the water, whether water skiing, swimming or on the beach. She loved the outdoors; camping, hunting, cheering at a rodeo or working in her garden and lawn. She always had beautiful flowers and fruit trees. Those who knew her will remember her as both spunky and tough—a woman who faced life’s challenges with grit and laughter.

Her greatest pride was her family. Polly delighted in watching her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren grow, supporting them in every endeavor and celebrating every milestone.

She spent hours in the passenger seat with Kristi driving to high school rodeos, attending grandchildren’s sporting events and swimming with her great grandchildren. Her son-in-law, Greg, remembers her fondly as teaching him how to cut and wrap a deer on the kitchen table.

The grandchildren remember spaghetti dinners that were most often requested and everyone in the family received her signature chocolate birthday cakes!

An animal lover through and through, she was never without a loyal dog or a cat by her side (or several). She also served as a 4-H leader teaching many girls how to sew. Her skills included knitting heavy wool sweaters for everyone in the family, exotic rodeo shirts for Larry and his travel buddies and she even made Jackie’s wedding gown.

Polly and Glenn spent their later years in Idaho where they moved to be closer to the bulk of the family. This allowed them to continue their ranching lifestyle and still attend family events.

Dozens of photos exist with the two of them at sporting events cheering from the stands. While in Idaho one of her great joys was going to yard sales and swimming with her grandchildren.

Her table was always a gathering place for family and friends alike, and her welcoming heart made every visitor feel at home. In later years, she had a devotion to watching the Cowboy Channel and televised rodeo events, never missing one of Shelli.

Polly was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Glenn; her parents, Emma and Doyle Chandler; and her sister, Delores Chandler. She is survived by her children, Jackie and Greg Allum, Larry Grindstaff and Jacee Portenier, and Kristi and Shane Wallace. Her grandchildren; Angie Allum, Shelli and Joel Scrivner, Austin and Bailey Grindstaff and Bodee Wallace. She was blessed with great-grandchildren who adored her, Emma, Denton, Bryndle and Oakley. She left behind dear friends Carla Hoffman, Anita Kelso and her cousin Patsy Knapp.

At Polly’s request, no formal service will be held. Her and Glenn will be laid to rest in places that were meaningful to them both, with markers placed among their families in Sunset Cemetery in Lakeview. Her family finds comfort in knowing she is reunited with Glenn and her family, tearing up the dance floor once again.