Donna Jarrette Polley Rhodes, 90, of Rochester, passed away on Saturday, December 3, 2022 at 8:14 P.M., at her residence.
She was born on May 10, 1932 in Rochester, Indiana, to the late Wade H. and Letha (Potts) Jarrette. Donna graduated from Rochester High School in 1950, then attended MacMurray College in Jacksonville, Illinois.
In 1951, Donna married D. Ward Polley and from their union came three daughters, Susan, Margot, and Lee Ann. They shared 26 years of marriage before his death in 1977. In 1996, she married Bob Rhodes, of Rochester, Indiana, whom she was married to for 21 years before his death in 2017. Also preceding her in death were her parents and her oldest daughter, Susan L. Kirk.
Surviving are her two daughters Margot E. Denger, Carmel, Indiana, and Lee Ann (Brett) Stinson, Cary, North Carolina. She is also survived by her sister, Barbara Reichert, Michigan City, Indiana, and brother, James C. (Teri) Jarrette, Warsaw, Indiana. Donna was blessed with six grandchildren, Ryan (Dianna) Barnett, Japan, Kyla (Dylan) Johnson, Lucerne, Indiana, Geralyn and Jack Denger, both of Indianapolis, Indiana, Wade and Cole Stinson, both of Lynchburg, Virginia. Her four great-grandchildren include, Logan Scott, Harper Johnson, and Maisie Johnson, all of Lucerne, Indiana, and Jaiden Barnett, Japan.
Donna worked as a secretary for Topps Manufacturing of Rochester for several years, and as the Court Reporter for Judge Douglas Morton for eleven years until her retirement in 1995. In other service to the community, Donna served as secretary for the Rochester Water Department and was a Girl Scout Leader for many years.
Donna was a lifelong and dedicated member of Presbyterian Church. She served as a Deacon, Elder, and as Clerk of the Session. She loved singing in the church choir and playing in the bell choir. She was especially proud of starting and participating in the Christmas Cookie Walk and working on the annual St. Patrick’s Day supper at the church. She was instrumental in starting the Community Garden and was a member of the Rochester Chapter of Tri Kappa Sorority. After many years of service, she became a member of the Associate Chapter of Tri Kappa.
Donna was an ambitious and enthusiastic person who was honest and had high standards. She always did her best in her many endeavors. Donna’s passions included keeping a beautiful home, cooking fine meals, and working in her flower garden. She loved providing her flowers for the church services. She was a very loyal friend and had a great sense of humor. She liked to tease and joke with all she met!
Visitation for Donna will take place on Monday, December 12, 2022, from Noon to 2:00 P.M. at Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, 1101 Jefferson Street, Rochester, Indiana.
A private service for the family will follow immediately with Donnie Kohls officiating.
Burial will follow in the Odd Fellows Cemetery, Rochester, Indiana.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Fulton County Public Library, 320 W. 7th Street, Rochester, Indiana or donor’s favorite charity.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.zimmermanbrosfh.com
