Mary Rolley

Rolley, Mary Elizabeth Barnes MADISON - Mary Elizabeth Barnes Rolley, age 86, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 5, 2007. She was born on May 21, 1921, in Lexington, Ky., the daughter of Herbert and Maryetta "Marie" (Cravens) Barnes. Mary received a bachelor?s of science from the University of Kentucky and a master?s of science from the University of Illinois, both in geology. She married John W. Rolley on Friday, June 13, 1949. Mary worked for the Illinois Geological Survey before following John to southern California to raise her family. While in California, she worked as a draftswoman for North American Aviation. She had a lifelong interest in art that was expressed through painting, stained glass and ceramics. As her children matured, her interest in gardening and raising flowers developed into a passion for orchids and the backyard was transformed into an orchid nursery. In 1987, Mary and John relocated to Murray, Ky., where they lived for 13 years. Mary continued to grow orchids, but also volunteered with the Calloway County Library, and Habitat for Humanity. She moved to Oakwood Village East in Madison in 2001. Mary also volunteered her time at the Department of Natural Resources Research Center Library. Her continued interest in growing flowers found an outlet at Oakwood, each spring and summer for six years she selected, planted and maintained the flowers at the entrance to the Pioneer Prairie apartments. Mary is survived by her two sons, David W. Rolley of Carlisle, Mass., and Robert E. Rolley of Monona; and two grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, John W. Rolley. Memorial Services will be held at OAKWOOD VILLAGE EAST CHAPEL, 5556 Tancho Drive, Madison, at 2 p.m., on Friday, Aug. 10, 2007, with Chaplain Doug Locken presiding. Burial will be at City of Murray Cemetery, Murray, Ky., on Sunday, Aug. 12, 2007. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420 www.gundersonfh.com