Barbara Jean Polash

Barbara J. Polash, 73, of Crystal Lake and Fort Meyers, FL passed away on Sunday, January 6, 2019 at her home in Florida.

Barbara was born January 28, 1945 in Evanston, IL to Arthur and Virginia (nee Dullin) Rek. She was united in marriage to William J. Polash on October 11, 1969 in Chicago.  After earning her Bachelor’s Degree from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb and receiving her teaching certificate, Barbara taught in elementary and middle school in Niles and Crystal Lake until her retirement.

She was an avid reader and volunteered at Crystal Lake Food Pantry and Bethesda Thrift Shop. A member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Crystal Lake, she served on the Altar Guild, belonged to the Prayer Shawl Group, and was a Greeter.  She was also an associate member of St. Michael Lutheran Church in Fort Meyers.

Barbara is survived by her husband, William; her son William Jr.; her daughter Kimberly (Anthony) Martinez; her grandchildren, Charles Polash and Phoebe and Fiona Martinez; her sister, Sharon Meier; and several loving nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Virginia Rek.

Visitation will be held Friday, January 11, from 3-8pm at Davenport Family Funeral Home & Crematory, 419 E Terra Cotta Ave (IL Rt. 176), Crystal Lake.  On Saturday, January 12, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Historic Campus, 178 McHenry Ave, Crystal Lake, Barbara’s family will be receiving friends from 10am until the 11am funeral service. A private burial will be held at Crystal Lake Memorial Park, Crystal Lake.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church, 300 S Pathway Ct, Crystal Lake IL 60014, 815-459-1441 or to Crystal Lake Food Pantry, PO Box 1071, Crystal Lake IL 60039, 815-455-0961, www.clfoodpantry.org.