Mary Pauline Bolinger

Mary Pauline (Pauline) Bolinger was born in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma on October 10th, 1924 to Edward S. Newton and Mary Coffman Newton. Pauline grew up in Hugoton, Kansas. After graduating from high school, she worked in San Francisco during WWII as a telephone operator, and later worked with her mother as a steel worker at a shipyard.

While living in San Francisco, she ran into James Douglas Bolinger, who had also attended high school in Hugoton. Following their marriage on March 2nd, 1944, she became a full-time homemaker.

Twins Michael and Mitchell were born December 2nd, 1944. Two years later, they moved to Deerfield, Kansas and later to Lakin.

Patricia Susan (Patti Sue) was born in 1947 and predeceased her mother in 2015 after a long illness. She was survived by her husband, Robert (Bob) Montgomery of Ft. Worth, TX, who was quite close to Pauline and remained in contact with her throughout her life.

Pauline and Doug were involved with their children’s activities and enjoyed chaperoning dances, attending concerts and plays, and rooting for the Lakin Broncs. Their home became a mecca for young people to gather under safe supervision.

The Bolingers lived in Lakin until CIG transferred Doug to Amarillo, Texas in 1975. After Doug passed away in 1997, Pauline moved to Rancho Bernardo (San Diego), California in 1998 where her son Michael (Sheryll) lives.

Pauline and Doug often went to Alamos, Sonora, Mexico where they had a hacienda and many friends who enjoyed her wry sense of humor, sparkling eyes, and quick wit.

She was a diehard Oklahoma Sooner fan, rooted for the Dallas Cowboys, and loved watching the Kansas Jayhawks play basketball. After moving to the San Diego area, she cheered for the Padres.

Pauline always said she had a beautiful life. She loved her children and grandchildren very much, and was loved in return by everyone who knew her and loved her vibrant personality.

She is survived by her son Michael (Sheryll), son Mitchell (Coya), four grandchildren, five great grandchildren, and many friends.

Pauline will share a crypt with Doug at the Memory Gardens Cemetery in Amarillo, Texas.

She was a member of St. Bartholomew Episcopal Church, 16275 Pomerado Rd., Poway, California 92064. A donation in her memory would make her smile.

Condolences may be sent to: Michael Bolinger, 12395 Oliva Rd., San Diego, CA 92128 and Mitch Bolinger, P.O. Box 473, Pryor, OK 74362.