Tina Louise Polkinghorn, 65, passed away of natural causes at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital on Sunday, July 12, 2026.
Born on June 2, 1961, in Lucas, Ohio, Tina was the beloved daughter of Richard and Jeanette (Fair) Strassell.
Tina lived life with her whole heart and found joy in the simple things that many overlook. She loved gardening and being outdoors, often saying she needed a little “dirt therapy.” Whether she was barefoot in the garden, or simply soaking in the beauty of nature, she found peace in the outdoors, many calling her a “tree hugger”.
She never met a challenge she was willing to back away from. If someone told her she couldn’t do something, her response was often, “Don’t tell me I can’t do that.” Determined, hardworking, and fiercely independent, Tina was truly a jack of all trades. She could fix, build, create, bake, coach, encourage, or simply show up whenever someone needed her. She stood beside her family and friends through every triumph and every hardship, always believing in them, often before they believed in themselves.
Those who knew Tina will forever remember her unforgettable sense of humor. She had a wonderfully dark wit and somehow always had the perfect joke for every situation. Her laughter was contagious, and even during difficult times, she found a way to make others smile.
Her kitchen was another place where her love shined brightly. Tina loved to bake, sometimes deciding in the middle of the night that it was the perfect time to make something delicious. Recipes were merely suggestions, she measured everything with her heart, and somehow it always turned out just right. She also enjoyed life’s little comforts: a hot cup of coffee, Diet Pepsi, Snickers bars, and, of course, chocolate.
Music filled many of her days, with Journey holding a special place as her favorite band. She loved rocking out in her big truck and her backyard. No matter where she traveled, she was always happiest returning home to the people she loved most.
Tina poured herself into serving others throughout her life. She was a dedicated soccer coach, encouraging young athletes both on and off the field, and was affectionately known by countless students as the best lunch lady Lucas Local Schools ever had. She also had a remarkable gift for remembering birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and milestones, always finding thoughtful and meaningful ways to make family and friends feel celebrated.
Above every accomplishment and every adventure, Tina treasured her family. Raising her children brought her immense pride, and becoming a grandmother filled her heart with immeasurable joy. Her greatest happiness came from watching those she loved grow, succeed, and build lives of their own.
Tina leaves behind a legacy of strength, laughter, unwavering determination, generous love, and countless memories that will continue to bloom like the gardens she cherished. Though her family will deeply miss her presence, they find comfort in knowing that every flower, every towering tree, every country road, and every handful of earth will forever remind them of the remarkable woman who found healing, happiness, and home in God’s beautiful creation.
Tina is survived by her husband, Rex Polkinghorn; her children, Alex and Ali Polkinghorn and Jake (Kayla) Biddle; her obsessively loved grandchildren, Ila, Charlie and Brooks; her siblings, Carrie (John) Gay, Mike (Kim) Strassel, Jim (Melissa) Strassell, and Jan (Bill) Buchanan; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and her siblings, Chris and Rick Strassell.
There will be no public services observed at this time. Advantage Funeral and Cremation Services by Wappner is honored to serve the Polkinghorn family.
Words of condolence may be expressed at www.wappner.com
Funeral Home: Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services by Wappner
Website: www.wappner.com