Carla Mae Pulley was born on June 15, 1928 in Red Oak, Iowa, the daughter of Walter Paul and Wilmeth Olive (Brower) Messersmith.  Carla entered into the arms of her Lord on Thursday, November 4, 2021 at her home in Shenandoah, Iowa.

Carla spent most of her childhood around Southwest Iowa with her two brothers; Merritt and Merlin.  She graduated from Shenandoah High School with the Class of 1946.

Carla was united in marriage to Roland Martin Pulley on July 29, 1946 at the Presbyterian Church in Shenandoah, Iowa.   The couple was blessed with the birth of three children Marsha, Janet, and Roland David.  Roland and Carla enjoyed 65 years of marriage.  During her working years she was employed by World Publishing and Earl May Seed & Nursery.

Carla was a member of the Congregational United Church of Christ, Jolly Mixers Club and over 50 year member of the American Legion Auxiliary of Shenandoah.  She enjoyed playing cards, canning, sewing, loved to go to the casino for entertainment while Roland watched people.  She also enjoyed Sunday afternoon rides, attending church conventions and traveling.  Her biggest joy was being with her family and friends.

Carla was preceded in death by her parents; step-father William Burke and both brothers, Merritt and Merlin Messersmith.  Those left to honor her memory include her daughters Marsha Miller and husband Terry and Janet Allumbaugh and husband Mike both of Shenandoah, IA; son Roland David Pulley and wife Kathy of Milan, IL;  seven grandchildren,  Jeff Miller and wife Amy, Dana Finnegan and husband Mike, Brent Allumbaugh and wife Ginny, Traci Haarmann and husband Gary, Ben Pulley and wife Julie, Dan Pulley and wife Kaitlyn and Adelyn Pulley; eleven great-grandchildren Joshua and Jordan Miller, MacKenzie, Trevor, Trent and Reed Finnegan, Josie Haarmann, Lydia, Abigail, Will and Aubrey Pulley;  many nieces, nephews and a host of friends.