Leslyn Rogers Polk, 87, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023, at her home in Moscow. She lived a full life, and was a loving mother, grandmother, wife, daughter and friend.
Leslyn was born Aug. 17, 1936, in Moscow to Kathryn and Lester Rogers. Her journey through life was marked by love, resilience and dedication.
Leslyn loved growing up on the family farm alongside her five siblings. There, she developed a deep connection to the land that stayed with her throughout her life. After graduation from Moscow High School, Leslyn attended the University of Idaho, married Joe Corless, and began a family, while living in such places as Texas, Washington, Taiwan and California. She dedicated herself to her children, Matt, Ruth and Phillip, by serving as PTA president, planning the best class parties, shuttling kids to piano and swim lessons and cooking up the most delicious meals imaginable. Leslyn’s cooking skills were legendary, with her chicken wings and cheesecake being family favorites. Anyone who ate one of her meals could clearly see and taste the love she put into her dishes.
The accidental loss of her eldest son, Matt, in 1974, became a turning point in Leslyn’s life. Channeling her grief into education, she pursued and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree and Master of Arts in sociology at Cal State Fullerton. She then began a teaching career at Fullerton College that spanned two decades. During her tenure at the college, Leslyn built new programs for adult learners returning to the classroom, and played a pivotal role as president of the California State Academic Senate. She set into motion educational changes involving teaching standards and professional requirements that are still used to this day.
Even though her life journey took her around the world, Leslyn’s heart always found its way back to her roots in Moscow. In 2004, she and husband Lee Polk retired to Moscow to the farm which her great-grandfather homesteaded in 1877. They set about improving and protecting the land, ensuring that it continued to be a working farm. Leslyn took great pride and interest in how the land was used, and followed wheat prices intensely. She also devoted herself to caring for her mother, Kathryn Rogers, in her later years, as well as her beloved aunt Edith Ivy.
Leslyn was an extraordinary conversationalist, a storyteller at heart, and a source of wisdom in any situation. Her strength, kindness and generosity touched countless lives. She was a constant and caring presence in the lives of her children and grandchildren. No matter what, she was there to support them in whatever endeavor they pursued.
Leslyn Polk was preceded in death by her beloved son Matt Corless, brother Kenneth Rogers, sister Lois Jean Alton, parents Kathryn and Lester Rogers and husband Lee Polk. She leaves behind a legacy of love, survived by her daughter Ruth, son Phillip, grandchildren Sarah, Michael, Matthew and Elissa, along with sisters Kathy Crossler, Linda Frostenson and Ladessa Smelcer.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, March 25, at the Moscow Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to the American Diabetes Association.
Short’s Funeral Chapel of Moscow is in charge of arrangements and condolences may be left at shortsfuneralchapel.com.
