Elizabeth “Jean” Polley passed away Monday, March 18. A memorial service will be held at 11 AM on March 23 at Bayview Freeborn Funeral Home. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service.

Jean Polley

Jean was born March 6, 1932, to Effie and Ethan Clark of Neve, Kentucky. On September 9, 1950, Jean married her high school sweetheart, Richard Polley. She attended Bracken County High School where she was a cheerleader and Richard played basketball. In December of 1966, Jean, Richard, and family moved to Albert Lea, Minnesota from Alexandria, Kentucky. Jean worked at Montgomery Wards and then at Herbergers where she worked in the children’s department. She retired at age 72. She was a two-time cancer survivor.

Jean loved to read and spend time and playing games with her family. She also enjoyed times spent on Marco Island, Florida with her friends and family. Jean was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Albert Lea where she served as a Deacon and an Elder. She was especially appreciative of the nurses, doctors and staff at the Austin Hospital for the care she was given before she passed.

Jean is survived by her husband of 73 years, Richard; children, Carol Sue (Dave) Farmer, Monica Jensen, Teri (Brian) Demmer, Dick (Deb) Polley and Kim (Todd) Dilling; grandchildren, Troy (Wendy) Farmer, Robin Hammer, Sara (Andy) Johnson, Kirk (Becky) Farmer, Jennifer (Travis) Stoneking, Cory (Jason) Schwarz, Nicholas Hansen, Ali (Brice) Robertson, Angie Thostenson, Jessica (Tom) Mafale, RJ Polley, Nathan (Amanda) Dilling, and Zachary (Mariah) Dilling; 25 great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren and three sisters.

She is preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, two sisters; and one son-in-law.

Blessed be her memory.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the First Presbyterian Church elevator fund.