Polly Virginia Klein

Polly Virginia (Lazarus) Klein, 90, of New Madison, Ohio, died Sept. 26, 2024. As a believer in Christ, her death was a gain to her; it allowed her to see her Savior face to face and reunite with beloved family and friends in heaven.

Polly was born on Sept. 11, 1934, to the late Eugene and Helen (Peiper) Lazarus in Dallas, Pennsylvania.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, William "Bill" Klein; and son, Karl Klein. She was also predeceased by her parents; her brother, Eugene Lazarus II; and her sisters: Elinor-Ann Coble and Pamela Thomas.

Polly met her husband Bill while they were students at Pennsylvania State University in the 1950's, and ran away with him to get married on March 19, 1955, in Dothan, Alabama. She finished her college degree in 1956 at Oklahoma State University.

Polly was a devoted supporter of her husband's career as a businessman and business owner, often working alongside him and making a home for their family wherever his jobs took them throughout the U.S. and for several years in Japan.

Born during the Great Depression, Polly was both perpetually thrifty and intentionally generous. She was a meticulous housekeeper and stayed ambitious in her gardening, and fruit and vegetable canning, late into her life. She always kept her hands busy with knitting and cross-stitch projects.

She also enjoyed traveling, reading, participating in Bible study fellowship, spending time with her family, staying in touch with her nieces and nephews, and maintaining friendships from varied seasons of life.

Polly was a faithful Christian and church member, and prioritized talking about Jesus with her family, friends, neighbors, and strangers.

She is survived by her children: Kendra (Phil) Beran, of Dayton, Ohio; and Kurt Klein, of Goshen, Indiana; her daughter-in-law, Julie D'Alonzo, of Cincinnati; 15 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and her brother, Stephen (Judy) Lazarus, of Texas.

A celebration of Polly's life will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, at Tribute Funeral Homes, New Madison Campus. Burial will follow in Spring Lawn Cemetery in New Paris. Family and friends may gather and pay their respects prior to the funeral, from 1 to 1:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Missionary Aviation Fellowship, P.O. Box 47, Nampa, ID 83653.

Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.tributefuneralhomes.com.