Polly Lee Hilby

Polly Lee Hilby, 65, passed away on February 28, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. A celebration of her life will take place on Sunday, March 16, 2025, from Noon to 3 PM at the Ehrler Ranch in Galena, IL. Following her final wishes, Polly will be buried alongside her beloved husband, Bob Hilby, during a private ceremony for the family. The Furlong Funeral Chapel in Galena is assisting the family. Polly was not only generous in life but also in death, as she chose to be a tissue donor. She was a free spirit who embraced life fully, always making time for joy and laughter. Polly especially cherished moments with her family, friends, donkeys, cats, and her dog, King. For 12 years, she served as a Community Integration Coach at Hillcrest Family Services in Dubuque, IA. In honor of Polly’s love for life, her family encourages everyone to pursue activities that bring real joy and to share those moments with others. Her children survive her, Katie (Jake) Symmonds, Ben (Alex) Pluemer, and stepdaughter, Wendy (Jeremy) Werner, six grandchildren, Maeve and Freya Symmonds, Elena and Nora Pluemer, Avery and Isaac Werner, and two more grandchildren on the way; her three siblings, Peggy Barton, Penny Splinter, and Steve (Val) Barton; her companion Roger Herrig; and many loving nieces and nephews. Polly was preceded in death by her cherished husband, Bob Hilby; stepson, Nick Hilby; parents, Richard and Mary Barton; brother-in-law, Chris Splinter; ex-husband, Doug Pluemer; and her grandparents. The family would like to express their gratitude to the Finley ICU doctors and nurses, the Iowa Donor Network, Galena EMS, and the East Dubuque EMS and Menominee- Dunleith Fire Department for their support during this challenging time. They kindly ask that contributions be made to the Polly Hilby Memorial Fund instead of flowers.