Jewell (Polley) Roese

Jewell (Polley) Roese, age 95, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2025 in her South Bloomfield home surrounded by her family and friends.

Jewell was born in Columbus on April 15, 1929 to the late Art and Mabel Polley.  She grew up on the south end of Columbus and graduated from South High School.  During the Depression, she and her siblings spent much time with her beloved grandparents in Webbville, Kentucky, of which she had fond memories.

Jewell was blessed with a large and loving family.  She is preceded in death by her husband of 75 years, Albert Junior Roese; son Paul Albert; daughter Melody Ann Buckler; brother Robert Polley; sister Virginia (Polley) Medina; grandsons Rick Vale and James Conway; and granddaughter Lacey Roese.  She is survived by her children John Roese (Betty), FL; Frances Cook, MI; Susan Seevers, Circleville, OH; Patrick Roese (Elizabeth), KY; 21 grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren; and 7 great-great grandchildren; as well as her best friend of 88 years, Pat Riley of Mt. Sterling, OH.

Jewell’s life was dedicated to education and service to others, as well as the town of South Bloomfield where Albert was a mayor for over 30 years.  She retired from Ashville Elementary School as a Library Aide.  In retirement, she combined her love of books and education by co-founding the South Bloomfield Community Library.  She also volunteered to tutor children in reading at South Bloomfield Elementary School. In 2007, she was awarded the Ashville Women’s Civic Club Lifetime Achievement Award.

Jewell and Albert were dedicated to veterans and were awarded numerous state and national awards for their service.  Jewell was responsible for establishing the Military Order of the COOTIES, an honor degree of the VFW.  For over 20 years, they coordinated and made weekly visits to the veteran patients at the VA Hospital in Chillicothe on behalf of the COOTIES and VFW.  She was a charter/founding member of the VFW chapter as well as the VFW Auxiliary of the Rick Brown VFW Memorial 7941.  She served as the Treasurer for the Auxiliary for 49 years and most recently assumed the position of Chaplain.  Jewell was instrumental in establishing and being a voting member of the VFW scholarship as well as the Voice of Democracy essay awards.

Jewell was a faithful member of the South Bloomfield Methodist Church.  She served for over 20 years as chairperson on the Administrative Board. Jewell’s greatest gift was the members of the church who provided her with love, support, and faith, and she was extremely loved and well-respected there.

Jewell had many hobbies, but she had a love of gardening and books.  Jewell had a passion for gardening and loved to share her knowledge as well as plants from her garden to anyone who stopped to admire her work.  She was rewarded in her efforts by being a featured garden on the Pickaway County Circle of Caring Garden Gala Tour.  She was a voracious reader and had a collection of over 1000 books.  Jewell willingly shared her books, reviews, and recommendation with family, friends, and acquaintances.

Jewell’s funeral and a celebration of her life will be Thursday, January 23rd at Oliver-Cheek Funeral Home, Ashville, OH at 11:00 a.m. followed by interment at Harrison Township Cemetery.  Services will be officiated by Pastor Floyd Hubbell of the South Bloomfield Methodist Church.  Family and friends are welcome for Visitation on Wednesday, January 22nd from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Oliver-Cheek, concluding with a VFW Auxiliary Service.

For those who wish, donations can be made to the South Bloomfield Methodist Church.