Roland Martin Pulley was born on March 11, 1925 in Cumberland, Iowa, the son of Martin John and Sybil Agnes (Trent) Pulley. Roland entered into the arms of his Lord on Thursday, November 17, 2011 at Shenandoah Medical Center, surrounded by his loving and supportive family.

Roland's early years were spent in the community of Lewis, Iowa. The family later moved to Shenandoah. Roland graduated from Shenandoah High School with the Class of 1943.

Roland was united in marriage to Carla Mae Messersmith on July 29, 1946 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 his working years he was employed by Henry Field Seed and Nursery from 1942-1945 and Earl May Seed Company from 1946-1991.

Roland was a member of All American Seed Association, served as a judge at the Page County Fair, was a member of the Shenandoah School Board, was appointed chairman & treasurer of the Wassail Bowl, was a former member of the Shenandoah Optimist Club and a member of the Congregational Church. Some of his passions included woodworking, gardening, tending to his flowers and enjoying nature.

Roland was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Edward and Loren Pulley; and sister Jean Masterson. Those left to honor his memory include his wife Carla Mae Pulley; 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; grandchildren, Jeff Miller and wife Amy of Shenandoah, Dana Finnegan and husband Mike of Colorado, Brent Allumbaugh and wife Ginny of Council Bluffs, Traci Haarmann and husband Gary of Independence, MO, Ben Pulley and wife Julie of Peoria, IL, Dan Pulley and wife Kaitlyn of Bettendorf, IA and Adelyn Pulley of Milan, IL; seven great-grandchildren; sister, Joy Rosenquist of Council Bluffs; many nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

Funeral services were held on Monday, November 21, 2011, at 10:30 a.m. at the Shenandoah Congregational Church. Words of comfort were given by Pastor Mel Hurst. Attending the memory register were Dorothy Bayless and Jackie Holmes. Ushers were Mark Eno and Bill LeVere. Caring for the flowers were Mary Lou Rexroth and Doris Brodersen. Vocalist was Jack Baxer and organist was Carolee Rees. Musical selections were "In The Garden", "I'll Be Seeing You" and the congregation sang "Amazing Grace". Casket bearers were Jeffrey Miller, Dana Finnegan, Brent Allumbaugh, Traci Haarmann, Benjamin Pulley, Daniel Pulley and Adelyn Pulley. Honorary bearers were Duane Rexroth, Tom Brodersen, Marlin Holmes, John Bayless, Bill Wiechman, LeRoy McCoskey, Chuck Irvin, Bill Scharp and Darrell Jones. Interment was in the Rose Hill Cemetery. Memorials are being directed to either the SMC Hospice or the Shenandoah Congregational United Church of Christ.