Dolores "Polly" Costella Schwab

Dolores “Polly” Costella Schwab of Farmington passed away peacefully on March 2, 2026, at the age of 94. Born on September 6, 1931, in Flat River, Missouri, she was the daughter of Jewell Shaw and Isabell (White) Shaw Grimes. On December 12, 1953, Polly married Fred A. Schwab at Trinity Lutheran Church in Flat River.

She was preceded in death by her husband of more than 70 years; her parents; her in-laws, Fred and Marie Schwab; her brother, William E. “Bill” Shaw; her son-in-law, Craig Schnurbusch; and her brother-in-law, Ed Schwent.

Polly graduated from Flat River High School and Flat River Junior College, where she earned her teaching certificate and began her career in education. She taught fifth grade in House Springs, Missouri; third grade in Bismarck, Missouri; and later spent many years teaching in the Central R-3 School District. After retirement, she and Fred spent their winters in Florida as snowbirds, enjoying the beach and warm weather. She was also a longtime member of Trinity Lutheran Church.

She cherished time with her family—especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren—and enjoyed cooking and playing cards, particularly rummy and pinochle.

Polly is survived by her two daughters, Karen “Kay” (Kenneth W.) Pratte and Susan (Scott) Robirds; her grandchildren, Aaron (Ashley) Black, Ben (Kamryn) Schnurbusch, Julie (Chad) Viele, John (Brooke) Schnurbusch, Marie (Joey) Pezzola, and Lindsey (Ryan) Carroll; her great-grandchildren, Kyan Almonte, Kiara Almonte, Jett Black, Ronyn Black, Craig Viele, Caroline Viele, Craig Schnurbusch, Scottie Carroll, Tatum Pezzola, Roland Carroll, and Baby Girl Schnurbusch; her sister-in-law, Rosemarie Schwent; a niece and nephew.

“In our hearts, you will always stay, loved and remembered every day. Your legacy lives on in the love and values you instilled in us.”

A graveside service will take place at a later date. Details will be shared when they become available. Memorial donations, if desired, may be made to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (www.themmrf.org).