Phyllis Elaine Poling

Phyllis Elaine (Maxson) Poling, 78, of Circleville, died Monday, October 13, 2014 at OSU Medical Center, Columbus. She was born September 7, 1936, in Pickaway County, the daughter of the late George and Eleanora (Smith) Maxson. She was a graduate of Salt Creek Township School and received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Capital University. Elaine taught school for 30 years; at Salt Creek for 3 years and Circleville for 27 years.

On August 19, 1956, she married Donald J. Poling, who survives, at Hallsville United Methodist Church, Ross County. They celebrated 58 years together and have three daughters: Deidre (William) Schaefer of Ashland, Ohio; Kamela (Dean) Yuricich of Hilliard, Ohio; and Melinda (James) Voorhis of Mason, Ohio. They also enjoyed many years with their six grandchildren: Eric (Jessica) Schaefer, West Orange, New Jersey; Alaina Schaefer, Orlando, Florida; Britney and Chelsey Voorhis, Mason, Ohio; Jillian and Rachel Yuricich, Hilliard, Ohio; and two great-granddaughters, Lily and Thea Schaefer, West Orange, New Jersey.

Elaine is also survived by her sisters, Janet (Bennie) Huffer, Karen (Lynn) Dunkle; and several nieces and nephews.

Elaine loved to travel with her family and visited all 50 states as well as many countries around the world. She enjoyed investigating her family’s genealogy, publishing a book in 2011 that chronicled her findings. She and Don traveled many miles collecting their family information. In addition, Elaine was an avid birdwatcher, visiting many birding sites around the country. She was a member of Community United Methodist Church in Circleville.

A graveside service will be held at 11:30 A.M. Wednesday, October 15, 2014 at Hitler-Ludwig Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, October 19, 2014 from 2:00 – 5:30 P.M. at Defenbaugh-Wise-Schoedinger Funeral Home, where a Celebration of Life Service will be held at 5:30 P.M., with son-in-law, Pastor Bill Schaefer officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 471 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215, the American Cancer Society, 5555 Frantz Rd., Dublin, OH 43017. Community United Methodist, 120 N. Pickaway St., Circleville, OH 43113.

To share a memory of Elaine, visit

www.schoedinger.com.