Edwynne "Polly" Rosenbaum
Edwynne Cutler "Polly" Rosenbaum
Private services have been held for former Lusk teacher Edwynne Cutler "Polly" Rosenbaum, 104, of Arizona. She died Dec. 28, 2003.
She was born Sept. 4, 1899, to Arthur Henry and Myra Frederick Cutler in Ollie, Iowa. The family moved to Fort Morgan, Colo. when she was four. Her father was an educator and instilled in her the wonderful gifts of learning.
Polly was a superior scholar, she attended Knox College for one year, obtained an undergraduate degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder and a masters degree from the University of California. Honorary doctorates were awarded to her by Northern Arizona University and the Arizona State University and the University of Phoenix.
Education of children was the love of her life. Her teaching career spanned three states; Fort Morgan, Colo., Lusk, Wyo., (in the 1920's) and Hayden, Ariz.
While working as a secretary at the Arizona State Legislature she met William George Rosenbaum, a widower, legislator, miner and pharmacist. They were married in 1939. He died in 1949 and she was appointed to the House of Representatives to complete his term; she served there until 1994.
Polly Rosenbaum was the first woman chairman of the House Administration Committee, a position she held for five terms. As a legislator she influenced education issues, fought for historic preservation and was a pathfinder for women. Former Arizona Governor Bruce Babbitt called her a "great and gracious lady."
She is survived by a sister Lois Dobson of The Woodlands, Texas; three nieces and two nephews.
She was preceded in death by her sister Mildred "Billie" Cutler, and her brother Frederick A. Cutler.
The family suggests a donation in her honor to the charity of your choice, buying a book for a Library or doing something special for a young child.
Arrangements were by Messinger Indian School Mortuary.