Obituary

Good afternoon, everyone.

We gather here today to honor and celebrate the life of my grandmother, Jane Ann Polich. She was a woman of warmth, love, and unwaivering faith.nBorn on February 7, 1943, in Dimmitt, Texas, she was the younger sister to Gwen, who always looked out for her—right up until the very end, with one of their last phone calls being a testament to their lifelong bond.

Grandma was always exceptionally smart. She graduated in the top ten of her class at Gallup High School in 1961. That same fall, she married my grandfather, Lonnie Polich. They raised three children—Kristy, Kevin, and Kathy—each of whom carried forward her legacy of kindness, hard work, and perseverance.

Grandma was a stay-at-home mom, but that title barely scratches the surface of all she did. She was a 4H leader, a classroom volunteer, and an active PTA member at Aileen Roat Elementary. She even found time to coach Kathy's 5th-grade basketball team And if that wasn’t enough, she dedicated countless hours hauling her kids all over the state for rodeos. She was truly the heartbeat of our family, always putting others before herself. 

Grandma was also deeply committed to her faith. She loved to walk with her walking buddies—rain or shine, it didn’t matter, they walked early and faithfully. Just as she stayed dedicated to those morning walks, she also remained steadfast in her walk with Jesus. That walk guided her through the hardest times, including her sickness, giving her strength and peace when she needed it most. Her unwavering faith set an example for her family and friends, showing us all the power of trust in God and perseverance through life’s trials.

She was also a devoted member of the First United Methodist Church. You may have seen her and her church buddies having Friday dinner or Sunday lunch. Virgie’s was their hangout, a place filled with laughter, friendship, and good food.

Her love and devotion only grew as she became a grandmother. She cherished each of her grandchildren—Arianne, Cara, and Natalie from Kristy; Kasimira, Katrin, and Kariella from Kevin; and Trystin and Blaise from Kathy. Whether it was attending their school events, celebrating their achievements, or simply sharing quiet moments of laughter, she made each of us feel uniquely special. She had a way of making every grandchild believe they were her favorite, though I am pretty sure it was actually me—but we don’t have to dwell on that.

One of the things I will always remember about my grandma is her beautiful hair. She never colored it, and even in her final days, it remained a pretty blonde. My brother and I used to tease her about it, especially in the mornings before she combed it. I would tell her how pretty it was, and she would shake her fist at me with a smile in her eyes. It’s these little moments, these small yet deeply meaningful exchanges, that I will cherish forever.

Grandma’s presence was a quiet strength in our lives—constant, unwavering, and filled with love. She also had an incredible tolerance for pain. Over the course of her illness, she suffered broken ribs, a broken arm, and a broken leg. Yet she never complained—she would simply take some Tylenol and carry on. Her faith kept her going, giving her the resilience and grace that defined her throughout her life.

Her devotion to God and her church, her love for her walking buddies, and her steadfast faith carried her through life’s challenges. Though she may no longer be with us in person, the example she set through her faith and perseverance will continue to inspire us every day. She also had an incredible tolerance for pain. Over the course of her illness, she suffered broken ribs, a broken arm, and a broken leg. Yet she never complained—she would simply take some Tylenol and carry on. Her faith kept her going, giving her the resilience and grace that defined her throughout her life. She taught us the importance of family, of kindness, and of finding joy in the simple things. Though she may no longer be with us in person, her love and wisdom will continue to guide us every day.

Rest easy, Grandma. We love you.