Polly Blackwell

Pauline Vanessa Blackwell, age 65, of Dennison, died peacefully, Tuesday, April 18, 2023, in her sleep, following a period of declining health.

Born in Union Hospital at Dover on May 2, 1957, Polly, as she was known to family and friends was a daughter of the late Clifton H. Blackwell, Sr., and Jewel P. Bonds Blackwell.

She attended New Philadelphia High School and worked for many years at Kent Latex in Winesburg. Later in life she enjoyed babysitting and caring for children from her home and was known for her love of plants, flowers, sewing, crocheting, baking, and working puzzles. She also loved playing games with her family during special gatherings.

Polly will be missed by her soulmate and companion, Ed Espenschied of Dennison; her children, Torri (James) Reynolds, and Shane Zahner all of New Philadelphia, and Wendy Espenschied of Mississippi; her grandchildren, Zachary (Kamaron Reynolds) Tedrick, Alexis (Ben Mullet) Tedrick, and Nicholas (Alex) Moore; her great-grandchildren, Audrey, Hudson, Addison, and Hadley; two brothers, Clint (Cathy) Blackwell, Clifton Blackwell, Jr.; a sister, Linda Harper; a brother-in-law, Gary Zimmerman, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Polly was preceded in death by a sister, Ginger Zimmerman.

The family will greet guests on Sunday, April 23, 2023, from 2:00 – 4:00 PM in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover. Cremation will follow through the care of Geib’s Tuscarawas Valley Crematory.