Polly Berkenstock, aged 85, passed away peacefully at Mercer Health Community Hospital on February 10, 2026, shortly after her husband Richard (Dick) Berkenstock.

She was born on March 30, 1940 at Gibbons Hospital to Homer (Jake) Boley and Ruth Grier.

Polly married Richard Berkenstock on August 1, 1965, at Erastus United Methodist Church. She is survived by her daughter Penny (Scott) Rauch and son Tim (Tara) Berkenstock. Polly has 5 grandchildren: Mikayla (Tyler) Fleck, Tasha, Trent, Tabitha and Tegan Berkenstock and 3 great children (Brexley, Rexton and Hux Fleck).

She is proceeded in death by brother John (first wife Gayle and second wife Barbara) Boley and sister Connie (Jim) Johnson.

Polly was an avid gardener and quilter for her entire life. Neighbors and friends could often drive by and see her tending to her garden with a big wave. Polly was also a big animal lover. Throughout her life, she had various pets such as donkeys, horses, cows, cats and dogs, which she loved dearly. She also donated blood whenever she got the chance and encouraged others to donate. Polly was a proud member of her church, Erastus, where she often donated her time and skills to decorating the church, attending services and hosting soup suppers.

She spent the early part of her career at Huffy Bicycles in Celina, OH, where she met her soulmate and husband, Richard Berkenstock. Polly spent the later part of her career as a stay-at-home mom where she nurtured her kids and grandkids. Neighbors could rely on her to babysit kids at any time of need or whip up a grand meal for parties.

In keeping with Polly's longtime commitment to service, she made the decision to donate her body to Wright State University School of Medicine, so no visitation or service will be held, per her last request.

In lieu of no service, please feel free to check in with her family in the coming weeks or donate blood at your local drive.

Dick and Polly would feel comforted knowing their family is being checked on. Thank you to Mercer Heath's wonderful staff, Everheart Hospice's caring workers and Dr. Jerry Boley for the wonderful extra years.