Mary Pauline (Polly) Cranor Oberosler was born Feb. 19, 1957, in Almont, to Thora Belle and Forest Cranor. Polly was the third of four Cranor children. The family was in the resort business in Almont on property homesteaded in 1900. Working in the family business, she learned the power of hard work that contributed to the success of all.
She was a total tomboy. It is rare to find a picture of her in a dress, and most of those are from when she was a small child. She preferred jeans and workpants because they hid the frequent skinned knees. As a child, you could always find Polly outside. She climbed cliffs, rode horses, fished, biked, played basketball, and joined her father on his outfitting and hunting trips. She knew the area better than most and shared her love of the outdoors with everyone. In addition to her athletic pursuits, Polly enjoyed dancing. She learned to dance standing on her dad’s shoes at the dances that were held at the Pavilion in Almont. The pavilion was built by her grandfather in 1920, and the dance parties have recently resumed there.
Polly graduated from Gunnison High School in 1975. She attended college at the University of Northern Colorado and Western State College (Western Colorado University). After returning to the Gunnison area, Polly worked as a lift mechanic at CBMR where she met the love of her life, David Oberosler. Polly and Dave were married Sept. 11, 1982. They are such a fabulous couple who taught many people what it meant to love, cooperate, and form an everlasting relationship. Polly became a stepmom to Dan, Donna, and Dean, Dave’s children from a previous marriage.
It is said that Polly was gregarious as a child and occasionally was told that it was better to be seen than heard. While she could talk and spin quite the yarn, she was an even better listener. For Polly knew that she learned more from listening to people and her surroundings than talking. Polly was a life-long learner. Polly was also an extremely accomplished writer, specializing in her own life experiences and living in Colorado and the American West.
It is the talking and listening that made Polly special. She held conversations with people from all walks of life. She learned by listening to everyone’s opinion, whether she agreed with it or not. This also allowed her to be a champion of democracy, as she did not limit herself to one side or the other. It was not uncommon to be invited to a party at Polly and Dave’s that was comprised of old timers, second homeowners, cowboys, hippies, ski bums, and rednecks. People just gravitated to Polly, and Polly learned something from every single person she talked and listened to.
Polly enjoyed entertaining and cooking. No one ever left a dinner at Polly’s hungry. Even her vegetarian friends left with full bellies, which is really something when you are married to a man that has been veggie-free since 1963. The generosity never ended at the Oberosler home. Polly and Dave often opened their home to young adults who moved to Crested Butte to ski and work for the winter. While these people paid rent to the Oberoslers that money was often spent on food for everyone in the house and others.
As word got out that Polly had passed and she was welcomed above, tears from heaven poured forth to nourish the lands of Gunnison County. This was Polly’s doing, as the former Forest Service wilderness ranger loved this area. After owning a sports and western store and working as a ski and bike technician, Polly immersed herself in community endeavors. The list of boards and charitable organizations she belonged to is long. She spent many years on the GVH board of directors, the GCEA board of directors, the Cattleman’s Committee, Mountain Roots, the Gunnison County Trails Commission, the Gunnison Sage Grouse Committee, the Gunnison County Elections Committee, and her last passion, the Hartman Castle Preservation Committee.
Surrounded by the love of family and friends, Polly passed away Sept. 12, 2026. Polly is preceded in death by her parents, sister Patty Trujillo and brother Roger Cranor. She is survived by her husband of 44 years, David; brother Carl (Crystal) Cranor of Riverside, California; Dan (Nola) Oberosler of Crested Butte; Donna (Denny) Schilling of Afton, Texas; Dean Oberosler of Brady, Texas; nieces Michelle (Ronnie) Peelo of Montrose and Kelly (Paul) McDaniel of Hotchkiss; and cousins Edith (Paul) Buck and Fern (Greg) Ford. Polly was a gem who shined brightly over everyone. She was so deeply loved by her friends and family. She will be sorely missed as her passing has left a huge void on all who knew her. Ride on Polly Oberosler.
A celebration of life will be held for Polly at 11 a.m. Oct. 4, 2026, at the Fred Field Building at the Gunnison County Fairgrounds. In lieu of flowers please contribute to the Gunnison Country Food Pantry or the charity of your choice.
