Rita Polen Obituary

POLEN
Rita Billington Polen, age 64, passed away on Thursday, January 13, 2011. She is preceded in death by her parents, Almareeta and W. E. "Gene" Billington. In 1967, she and her beloved husband, Jerry, were united in marriage on November 24th at Alamo Heights United Methodist Church where they were faithful members for nearly 50 years. They made a loving home for their family in San Antonio since 1971. Professionally, Rita enjoyed enriching the lives of children through education for over 40 years. She spent 15 years teaching 6th graders at Live Oak and Crestview elementary in Judson ISD and the past 25 years serving as Associate Superintendent for Curriculum at Randolph Field ISD. Rita received her Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Oklahoma in 1970 and earned her Master of Arts in Education Administration from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 1985. The joys of her life were filled with wonderful memories she had with her soulmate Jerry, her son Jeremy, daughter-in-law Michelle, and her two beautiful grandchildren Nicolas and Emily and the times they spent together. The only thing that would make her smile ALMOST as much as her family was her obsession with OU Sooner football. Before Rita passed, she had gone to 48 out of the last 50 Texas-OU football games in Dallas. Even though she was in pain the last month of her life, she made sure to share Christmas with her family in Belleville, IL and attend her final OU Football game at the 2011 Fiesta Bowl with her husband and dear cousin Jim Thayer. Her family knows that she is in a better place now with God and that she knows God has her in His care until the time comes for she and Jerry to be reunited eternally in Heaven. And we know that her last words to her family, friends and her football team would be... "I love and miss you all... and BOOMER SOONER!" She is survived by her husband, Jerry Polen; loving son, Jeremy Polen and wife Michelle; grandchildren, Nicolas Blake and Emily Grace; brother, W. E. Billington, Jr. and wife, Leona; numerous cousins including Dr. James Thayer and family; the Phariss and Willis families and many wonderful friends. Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 16th from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at Porter Loring Mortuary North.

SERVICE
MONDAY
JANUARY 17, 2011
1:00 P.M.
ALAMO HEIGHTS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
825 E. BASSE RD.

Rev. Donna Strieb will officiate. The family requests that contributions be made in lieu of flowers to the Rita Polen Scholarship Fund, PO Box 2217 Universal City, TX 78148.
You are invited to sign
the Guestbook at
www.porterloring.com
Arrangements with:

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Antonio Express-News from Jan. 15 to Jan. 16, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Rita Polen

15 Entries

Matthew Munska

January 18, 2011

You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. May God give you comfort during this difficult time. Love, Matthew and Robyn

Melanie Jackson

January 18, 2011

To The Polen family, I am sorry to hear of the passing of Mrs. Rita Polen. Mrs. Polen was my teacher many years ago when I attended Crestview Elementary School. She was a wonderful teacher! May God give you comfort during this difficult time. You are in my prayers.

Mary Boring

January 17, 2011

Jerry and family,
I worked with Rita at Randolph as a consultant. She was so kind and welcoming to me. Getting on base was difficult alone, so Rita always met me and drove me onto campus. Thus, Rita's smiling face was the first thing I saw each visit. During these times and lunches, etc, we talked politics and Oklahoma football and her family, especially the grandkids!
My family and I are truly sorry for your deep loss.
With loving regards,
Mary

January 17, 2011

I remember Rita from Curves we talked every morning for the past 6 years. I remember her talking about her dear husband and son, daughter-n-law and grandchildren. We even talked about her dear ole pug Jackson. Rita will be greatly missed!

January 17, 2011

You and your family are in my prayers. May God give you peace and comfort in this difficult time. Love, Brenda Milam

Jerry Polinard

January 16, 2011

So sorry to hear of your loss.

Krystal Abney

January 16, 2011

Jerry and family, please know that I am praying for your family at this difficult time. Find your strength in God.

Carrie Hill

January 16, 2011

Jerry and Family,

I was so saddened to hear of your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

January 16, 2011

Jerry,

You and your family are in our prayers during this time. Please know your LRE family is with you and your family.
Love,
Jan, Linda, Kate, and the LRE family

January 16, 2011

My dear friend Jerry and family,
I shall always remember Rita as a fun and upbeat person. She was a delight to be with. I shall miss her as I know you and your family will. God bless you. Gayle Bode

Barbara Bushnell

January 15, 2011

Jerry and Family,
I only met you once but you often ate my leftovers from dinner. Yes, I am Barb from Missouri. Rita gave up so many evenings away from you to pick me up from the airport and take me back and to make sure I had dinner at some new place during every visit the last year and a half. During my last visit, she brought me by the house to meet you and her dear Jackson. I cannot believe such a vibrant woman is gone. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I will follow-up this short message with a letter but I wanted you to know that I am thinking of you. My sympathy to Rita's dear family, From Barb Bushnell in MO

January 15, 2011

I was so deeply saddened to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Sandi Teague

Velma Hernandez

January 15, 2011

So sad to hear about Rita. Jerry and Jeremy, I hope you find comfort in knowing that alot of people are praying for you.

Georganne Leopard

January 15, 2011

Was so saddened to learn of Rita's death. She was such a fine educator; bright and innovative. Rita was part of the Crestview teachers that grew up together. I have wonderful memories of those days. My prayers are for your comfort and peace.

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