Linda Druley Polonus, 87

November 30, 2024

Linda Druley Polonus, 87, passed away November 30, 2024, in Lititz, PA. She lived for the past six years at Warwick Woodlands surrounded and cared for by friends and family.

Born in Dayton, Ohio, on July 26, 1937, Linda lived a full and blessed life growing up in Eaton, Ohio. Graduating from Eaton High School in 1955, Linda was chosen Eaton H.S. Athletic Girl of the Year in 1955 reflecting her love of field hockey, swimming, golf, horses, and outdoor sports.
Linda worked in the family business, Shaver Ice Cream Factory, and the Eaton Rec Department as a teen and worked at the Style Shop modeling and selling ladies apparel during summers and vacation from college.

Linda attended Bowling Green University. While there, she joined the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority and played field hockey and the ukulele. Bowling Green was also where she met and married her husband Mike Polonus in 1959.

After graduating with a degree in Education, Linda taught elementary school from 1959 -1971 in Illinois, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland, also teaching Head Start and summer school in Lancaster, PA during 1966-67.

Moving frequently for Mike’s job, Linda quickly assimilated into each community through her involvement in golf, church, and neighborhood committees. While living in Pennsylvania in the 1960’s, Linda was a member of Lancaster PanHellenic Association, the Lancaster AAUW and Treasurer of Newcomers Club in Lancaster, PA

Following moves to New Jersey, Maryland, Pennsylvania and back to New Jersey, she was a Cub Scout Leader in Millville, N.J, taught Sunday School after moving to Maryland, joined the Women’s Board of Directors at Indian Valley Country Club, and was President of Parent’s Boys Basketball Assoc in Souderton, PA while working at WNPV Radio Station. Moving to Bridgewater, NJ allowed Linda to become Chairman of Flower Guild, Member of Prayer Ministry, Circle organizer and Leader of Lydia Circle and FISH volunteer at Bridgewater United Methodist Church.

Upon retirement, Linda and Mike settled in Maitland, Florida to be close to her father, Elbert Druley and sister, Dee. Enjoying the beauty and warmth of Florida, Linda swam daily and learned to love growing orchids. Linda also cherished her roles as a Prayer Ministry Leader and Membership Secretary at Asbury U.M.C in Maitland, FL, and Lake Colony Neighborhood Social Chairman.

Linda is preceded in death by her parents, Pauline and Elbert Druley and her husband, Michael. She is survived by her sister, Dolores Balliett Longwood, FL; daughter Janet Rauscher (Leo) Louisville, KY; son Steve Polonus (Carolyn) Lititz, PA; three grandchildren, Sarah Poorman (Jonathan), Andrew Polonus (Victoria), and Matthew Polonus, and two great-grandchildren, Madelyn, and Isaac Poorman. She delighted in spending time with her family.

A drop-in visitation honoring Linda’s life will be held on December 14, 2024, from 10AM-12PM in the Fireside Room at the Warwick Woodlands at Moravian Manor. In lieu of flowers, any donations in Linda’s memory can be made to the Moravian Manor Benevolent Fund. 300 W. Lemon Street Lititz, PA 17543.