Haverhill: Pauline L. "Polly" Ross, 95, a civic and cultural leader in the city, died suddenly May 21st at her home. Mrs. Ross was the wife of the late Grantly S. "Dick" Ross.

Born in Andover on February 21, 1914, Mrs. Ross was the daughter of the late John M. and Lizzie G. (Bailey) Lewis.

Raised in California, Polly moved to Georgetown in 1930 and, following her marriage in 1937, she and Grantly moved toBradford where they raised their family. She was very active in her community where she founded Girl Scout Troops in Bradford at the First Church of Christ and People's United Methodist Church, was Mother Advisor of Assembly #39 Order of Rainbow for Girls, was a Charter Member of the Haverhill Garden Club, and member of the Greater Haverhill Arts Association, and an active member of several civic committees. Polly was a life member of Friends of Haverhill Public Library, and life member of First Church of Christ, Scientist, Boston.

She fostered the idea of bringing cultural opportunities eventually to children of Haverhill, and achieved her passion in establishing the North East Cultural Arts Center, Inc. in 1969 where, through her undaunted efforts, these programs were expanded to the city's schools. NECAC was the first to sponsor Septemberfest before turning the program over to the city. Polly retired in 2004 at age 90.

She is survived by her children, Diane "DeeDee" Phillips of Ashland, VA, Judith DeGrenier and her husband Larry of Bradford, Lorna Ross and her companion Douglas Beaton of Londonderry, NH; six grandchildren; six great grandchildren, and cherished "son" Robert Christy of Ashburnham, VA. Polly was also the mother of the late Bonnie Ross.

Friends are invited to the memorial service Friday, June 5th , 7:00 p.m. at Dole, Childs & Shaw Funeral Home, 148 Main Street, Haverhill. Calling hours will precede the service from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Children's Department c/o Haverhill Public Library, 99 Main Street, Haverhill, MA 01830.

Online condolence may be sent to www.dcsfuneralhome.com