Pauline “Polly” Albaugh, age 91, of Waterville, Ohio, was born to Emily J. (Webster) Miller and Charles E. Miller on September 4,1929 in Cleveland, Ohio. She died of complications from COVID-19 on January 1, 2021 at Hospice of Northwest Ohio. Polly was the loving younger sister of Marian Miller Luce, and loving big sister to Roger Miller and Jeff Miller. She grew up in Kingsville, Ohio, graduating from Kingsville High School in 1947.
Polly attended Bowling Green State University where she graduated Cum Laude, with a Bachelor of Science in Education. At BGSU, she was a proud member of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority. She met the love of her life Richard “Dick” Albaugh at a sorority function where he happened to be dating another sorority sister. Polly caught his eye, and she was the last Gamma Phi or any other woman he ever dated!
Polly and Dick were married on August 18, 1951 two months after graduating from BGSU. They settled in Waterville to begin their careers at what would later become Anthony Wayne Local Schools. Polly taught 6th grade at Waterville School for several years, leaving teaching to care for her children. She later returned to Waterville to teach fourth grade. Polly then moved to teach 5th grade at the newly built Middle School. She continued to teach in room #158 until her retirement. Polly continued to serve the school system after retirement, volunteering in classrooms and sitting on the boards of the Anthony Wayne Education Foundation and the Anthony Wayne Alumni Association.
Polly was a faithful and devoted member of the First Presbyterian Church of Waterville all her adult life. Her work as Elder, Deacon and Superintendent of Sunday School included several repeat stints through the years. She tirelessly volunteered at the Church in whatever capacity she was needed.
Polly’s dedication to her family, friends, to her role as an educator, the Anthony Wayne Community, and the Church was limitless. She put everyone above herself and was a faithful servant to the Lord.
Left to cherish a lifetime of memories are her beloved children: Cindy (Chris) Celusta of Waterville, OH, Dick (Katie) Albaugh Jr of Westmont, Illinois, Amy (Brian) Powell of Hinsdale, IL, and Kathy (Scott) Kirkendall of Okauchee, WI. Polly found great joy and pride in her 11 grandchildren, delighting with each addition, and enjoying all of their interests and achievements. Holding on to many memories are: Shannon (Kyle) Ruhe, Jacob Albaugh, John Albaugh, Scott (Kiley) Kirkendall, Michael Celusta, Bradley Celusta, Eric (Rachel) Albaugh, Sam Kirkendall, Cole Kirkendall, Brett Albaugh and Brian Powell Jr. Carving a special niche in Polly’s heart were her great grandchildren Carson and Reese Ruhe, and Goldie Lou Albaugh. She is also survived by her brother Roger (Irma) Miller, sister-in-law Kathleen J. Miller, many nieces and nephews, and two special cousins Jeanne Kozell and Susan Benson. She encompassed them and their children with her love and was grateful to be included in their lives. Until she was no longer able, Polly followed their careers, joys and sorrows, staying in touch with them and extending her love. She was preceded in death by her parents, Emily and Charles, loving husband and soulmate of 46 years, Dick, sister and brother-in-law, Marian and Richard Luce, brother, Jeff Miller, and sister-in-law, Beverly Miller Wrisley. Polly loved her many friends and was especially grateful for the ones who were so faithful to her in her final years.
Polly will be laid to rest in a private ceremony next to her beloved “Tiger”. They have been apart for too long. We her family, think she deserves a grand final send off, but know that she would never want anyone to gather and risk being infected with COVID-19. We ask that if Polly touched your life in some meaningful way and you feel moved to honor her memory through a donation, they can be made in her name to The First Presbyterian Church of Waterville, https://www.watervillefpc.org/our-giving or Hospice of Northwest Ohio, https://www.hospicenwo.org/landing-pages/main/giving/
The family thanks the dedicated health care professionals at Hospice of Northwest Ohio who cared for our mother in her final weeks. We appreciate the care and kindness extended to our mother and our families. We will forever miss our dear Mother. Well done beautiful soul.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Peinert-Dunn Funeral Home, Waterville, OH. To leave an online memory please visit www.dunnfuneralhome.com.
