Polly Toombs

Polly Toombs, 96, of Overland Park, KS, passed away on October 7, 2021. She was born on January 13,1925 in Wichita, KS, the daughter of Julia and Fred Meeker. She was married to her husband of 74 years, Elkin “Nick” Toombs until his death in 2019. They had been together for 80 years, starting ice skating together at age 13. They spent much of their lives in Wichita, Kansas, and in later years spent winters in Florida, something they both delighted in. She took great joy in running The Four Crooks, a re-sale/antique store that later evolved into conducting estate sales, a business she started with her mother.

She was smooth as silk and strong as iron. She had more charm and wit than any one person should and when she smiled, it was with her whole body. She had rich chocolate brown eyes and hands that always wanted to hold yours in a tight clasp to show how happy she was just to be with you. She loved hosting & being with friends and relatives – the room would seem to sparkle with light as she shared her infectious energy – the way light does through a crystal. This makes perfect sense because she also loved anything sparkly or beautiful – jewelry, crystal, cut glass. She was an incredible tennis player, still playing at the age of 90, and had a tiny strong body that gave great hugs. She had a quick, curious, delightful mind that made her wonderful to talk to and made her quite a formidable opponent in just about any card game. She was both  steady and full of surprises.

She loved comics in the newspaper, the New Yorker magazine and crossword puzzles. She had a closet full of tennis skirts and sequined tennis shoes and was always on the look out for a good deal. She always wore her over-sized sunglasses, multiple bracelets, vibrant colors, had a blonde updo (always perfectly in place) and drove brightly colored convertibles. She also baked her grandchildren cookies, hosted incredible Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter celebrations, loved her garden, and wrote great letters. She signed off every phone call and ended every letter with “Never forget how much I love you.”

She is survived by 2 sons, Randy and Kelly Toombs, son-in-law Joe Bob Lake, daughters-in-law Carol Toombs and Kathi Toombs, six grandchildren and four great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Julia “Cookie” Lake. We are all so grateful to have been loved by her.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Village Shalom, 5500 W 123rd St., Overland Park, KS 66209.