Ridgeway, MO: Carolyn Jean (Comer) Polley, 93, of Bethany passed away peacefully in her home with her family by her side September 21, 2025. Carolyn was born January 17, 1932 in Ridgeway, Mo., the daughter of Ace and Verda (Mathis) Comer. Carolyn was the second of four children.
She grew up learning the value of hard work as her family started raising turkeys in Harrison County. She has many fond memories of her childhood with her siblings where her mother always made work fun.
She attended Lorraine, Hatfield, and Phoenix Country Schools and then attended Ridgeway High School where she graduated in 1949. She was baptized at the age of 14 at the Ridgeway Methodist Church.
Upon graduation she was united in marriage to Darryl E. (Doc) Dale in Bethany, Mo. In 1950, they went out on the road while Doc worked construction where they resided in a small travel trailer. In 1952, they moved to Eldon, Mo., and worked on a turkey farm until they purchased their own farm north of Ridgeway in 1955. To this union three children were born, Deborah, Douglas, and Dena.
She later divorced and in 1969. she married Albert “Junior” Polley. They resided in Kansas City, Missouri where she worked as waitress at Stephenson’s, a five-star restaurant, in Independence, Mo. Bess Truman and Joe Montana were among her famous guests. They returned to Bethany where they owned and managed the Sizzler and The Depot restaurants. She was an excellent business person and ran a really tight ship! All her employees loved to work for her where she practiced her mother’s motto- ‘let’s make work fun”. They were all treated with respect and like family. When she had spare time she enjoyed a life-long love of golf. There she met her golf partner, Annette Richardson, who became like a third daughter to her. They shared lots of stories of fun and laughter- mostly on the golf course! She loved to entertain and was well known for her lavish dinner parties.
In 1987, they moved to Mission, Texas where she continued her love for golf and established lifelong friendships. They resided there until Junior’s passing in 2009. In 2011 she returned to Bethany where she enjoyed her final years caring for her siblings and
many others when needed. She enjoyed family get-togethers and was always the life of the party! She was such a fun grandma to her grandchildren where she made a lifetime of memories with them. Everyone that knew her adored her.
Carolyn was a Giver. Even her family had no idea of the many acts of kindness, compassion and generosity she shared with those with a special need.
She is preceded in death by her parents, husband J.R. Polley, daughter Dena, step-son Gene Polley, siblings Marilyn Flesher, Pat (Dan) Westlake, and Bud (Marnell) Comer.
Survivors include her daughter Deborah (Bill) Phillips, son Douglas (Rolanda) Dale, special friend Annette Richardson, step-daughter Ramona (Dick) Hamilton, brother-in-law Fred Flesher, grandchildren Darren Dale, Carrie (John) Renner, Dustin (Lindsey) Dale, Jacob (Jessica) Phillips, Josie (Josh) Ross, Jadee Phillips, and Danielle (Michael) son, step-grandchildren Joey (Josh) Peck, Kelly (Wiatt) Hodge, Marie (Andy) Schick, and Abbe Findley, several great grandchildren with whom she held a special bond. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held in her honor Saturday, September 27, 2025, at the home of her son, Doug Dale, 25645 E US Hwy 136, Bethany, Mo. All are invited to come share a meal and memories of Carolyn.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ridgeway Cemetery, Box 12, Ridgeway, Mo. 64481.
About the Author
