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November 21, 1925 - August 2, 2014 Polly Duntley passed away unexpectedly on August 2nd due to heart failure during a medical procedure. She was born in Los Angeles on November 21, 1925, the only child of Robert and Catherine Paulsen.
Following her graduation from Marlborough School for Girls she attended the University of Arizona where she joined the Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority and received a B.A. in Spanish. Soon after graduation, Polly met and married Robert Bob Duntley in 1948 -- instantly becoming stepmother to his three daughters, Virginia, Gerry and Victoria (Tory). They moved to Oxnard, CA where she became a housewife and helped Bob start lemon and avocado orchards.
Polly loved the summers when she and the family would stay at the vacation house her father had built in Hidden Valley. Each summer she set out a gorgeous begonia garden on a hillside amongst the oaks, sycamores, lawns and rocks of the Hidden Valley house. At the end of each summer, all begonia bulbs would be collected and stored for the winter in Oxnard to be rested for their reappearance the following summer in Hidden Valley.
Her fluency in Spanish and love for travel led to life-long interests and adventures in all parts of Mexico, the Gulf of Mexico and South America. She was attracted to destinations that were warm, tropical and beautiful including the Amazon, Galapagos, Ecuador, Costa Rica and Panama. If Polly wasn't with Bob on a boat someplace, they were flying or hiking to some new adventure. She looked forward to annually trekking with friends throughout Yosemites Tuolumne Meadows.
Polly loved to be with people and entertained every chance she had. If there was the slightest reason for a celebration, or even if none existed, she would put together a party. The home they built in Camarillo had a fullsized western barroom complete with worn barnwood plank floors and walls that became the heart of their many get-togethers. She looked forward to having people just drop by and was known for always being ready to share a laugh. This was evidenced throughout the house by a large collection of cartoons and jokes on display in various rooms.
Sadness and complaints held no sway in her life as she lived by the motto, If life gives you lemons, make lemonade and insisted on a positive approach to everything. When she and Bob started cattle ranching in Merced County, CA her affinity for bringing people together led her to discover that many new neighbors were actually old friends from Los Angeles and the University of Arizona. So began a new group of friendships in the Merced area.
Polly had a passion for gardening, collecting Plein Air and western art, attending the theater and needlepointing. As soon as she and Bob settled into the Camarillo house, she set about developing rose gardens, flower beds of all types, and a large collection of orchids. This enabled her to have a constant supply of fresh blossoms throughout the house. Polly was a member of Las Patronas of Ventura County, Las Posas Country Club, and Smoke Tree Ranch in Palm Springs. The fact that both she and Bob were dog and cat lovers led to her to always having a collection of furry family members. The Humane Society of Ventura County held a special place in her heart for which she kept a donation jar in the bar for contributions from anyone who visited.
She leaves behind her step-daughters: Virginia Halpape, Gerry Williams, and Tory Duntley; her step-grandchildren, Jeff and Steve Halpape; and step great-grandchildren, Grace and Ashton Halpape.
In accordance with her wishes, there will be a memorial for family members only. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in her memory to the Humane Society of Ventura County (P.O. Box 297, Ojai, CA 93024) or to a charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Our thought's and prayers to each and everyone of the family and to those who knew her and her husband Bob Duntley .We loved them both.Love,John and Loretta Duntley and family
Christie Ann Duntley Hawk
May 15, 2015
Steven Duntley Halpape
September 4, 2014
We are so sorry to hear of Polly's passing. She was a wonderful friend of my mother Corolyn Powell. I had the good fortune to visit her a couple of times at their wonderful home. She was always so enthusiastic about life!
Ace Powell
Ace Powell
August 15, 2014
So sadden to hear of Polly's passing. I have often thought of Polly since my mom passed back in 2011. My parents were dear friends with Bob and Polly and loved the times spent with them. I had the fortune to spend some time with Polly with my mom....just a gem. Warms my heart to know that they are all together in heaven. Living the life of good food and wine. With lots of sympathy, Marian Powell Everest
Marian Powell-Everest
August 15, 2014
I was saddened to read of Polly's passing. I remember many days of listening to her laughter and of the parrots sounding just like her. I loved spending time in the summer at the Hidden Valley Ranch. A true Lady. My sincere condolences to all of the family. Hugs, Mary Lee
August 14, 2014
Will never forget the summer in the motorhome with Paul going to Montana.
You made a lot of memories for a lot of people.
Jerry Krebs
August 14, 2014
So many happy memories from times shared at Hidden Valley and on the the Kathleen! With sympathy and love, Karen Pidduck Vied
August 14, 2014
We are so sorry for the family's loss, and I really regret that I did not take advantage of our relatively close proximity to get to know this wonderful woman better. Over the years I've heard many a wonderful story from my mother about Polly and their antics as they were best friends from a very young age, and first cousins as well. Our sincere condolences to all the family. Love, Bryan and Michele
August 13, 2014
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Sheila Kane
August 12, 2014
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