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Polly Hill Trigg died April 18, 2000. She was born to Texas cotton broker, banking and trucking families on January 28, 1917 in Sherman, Texas, to Alvin Hill and Louise Andrews,"Miss Baby". She changed her birth name, Mary Louise, to Polly, as everyone had called her to match her older sister's name, Peggy (whose social grace she never quite forgave). After being elected Homecoming Queen at Amarillo High School (Amarillo, Texas), Polly earned the BA in English from the University of Texas, Austin. She joined the US Navy Reserve in June of 1943 and always felt having to endure cold showers every morning at dawn had steeled her against life's adversities. She served through the war years in Norfolk, Virginia, and was honorably discharged in July of 1946 as a Lieutenant (#220350). Polly married Stephen Lee Trigg March 30, 1948. Together they reared four children, Sally, twins Stephen and Kristen, and"perfect" Eric, initially on a Montana ranch and from 1951 on the Steve Trigg Ranch,"the middle of nowhere" as Polly described the Northeastern New Mexico family ranch location, and in Amarillo, Texas during each school term. She regaled friends with many a story of those hardy years. Her children remember an idyllic childhood growing up on the ranch, being called in for dinner by a loud whistle and later, as their abilities and range increased, by a fire-engine siren fastened above the kitchen door which could be heard for miles.Polly was an accomplished juried artist. Her drawings, water colors, and oil paintings (many of which captured memories so dear to family and friends) grace the walls of many Texas and New Mexico homes. While in Amarillo, Polly was an active Junior League member and upon her move to Albuquerque in 1975, a member of Pen Women, the Water Color Society and the Unitarian Church (until church services began to include choir and religious music).Polly was an uncompromising free thinker, an astute investor, with an unconventional spirit and wit, a woman ahead of her time. She was quick to express her opinions, debate any subject, correct everyone's grammar and win at any word or card game invented, as her friends are quick to note. In her last years she enjoyed the camaraderie of a Sunday afternoon bridge game with her gracious and dedicated friends. Polly was generous in a life she loved living. In addition to her four children, Polly is survived by six grandchildren, Sean and Kelly Grossetete, Caitlin and Hilary Holmes, Whittle Trigg, Colton Trigg, and one great-grandchild, Sarianna Grossetete. A memorial service with dinner to follow will be held Tuesday, May 9, 2000 at 6:30 p.m. at the Albuquerque Botanic Garden and Aquarium, in the Ceremonial Garden. Polly's ashes will be scattered at the family ranch.
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