Sylvia Pauline "Polly" Shuler Withey

Sylvia Pauline “Polly” Shuler Withey

The Family of Sylvia Pauline (Polly) Shuler Withey of South Bend is saddened to announce her passing on Friday, October 24, 2025 at the age of 85.  She was born in Lake Village, Indiana on September 16, 1940 to Oran and Winifred Shuler.  Preceding Polly in death were her parents, sister, Sandra Shuler Smith, brother-in-law, Larry Smith, husband, Thomas A. Withey, and the Love of her Life, Jerry D. Johnson.

She graduated from Walkerton High School in 1958 and Ball State Teachers College in 1962.  Her adventurous life began my moving to Anaheim, CA to teach elementary school for 6 years, traveling different routes through the states and once through Canada from California to Indiana.  In 1968 she moved to Okinawa and taught for DOD on Sukiran Army Base, while there every school holiday, she traveled to many different countries in the Orient.  After an exciting year, she returned to the USA taking a job in San Marcos, CA.  Her last move was to Chula Vista.  Her travels continued through the 70’s, 80’s & 90’s going to Europe 4 times visiting many countries.  Her last trip in 1990 was to visit Berlin and the former East Germany.  After teaching for 30 years, she retired in 1993, at which time she went into the Antique business.

In 1980 she met and married Thomas Withey.  They continued traveling by car, train, plane and Cruise Ships!  After 33 years together, he passed in 2013.

In 2020 high school sweethearts, Jerry and Polly reconnected after 63 years.  In 2022 she decided to return to her roots and moved Back Home Again in Indiana.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 15, 2025 in the Kaniewski Funeral Home 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, Indiana, where a visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m.  Burial will take place at 2:00 p.m. Saturday at the Morris Cemetery, Plymouth, Indiana

The remains of Jerry and Polly will be buried at Morris Cemetery Polk Township, 15812 US-6, Plymouth, IN  46563.  

In lieu of flowers, cash donations may be given to The Walkerton Heritage Museum or charity of your choice in Memory of Jerry Johnson & Polly Shuler.

Kaniewski Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.  To send online condolences, please visit http://www.kaniewski.com.

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