Alexandra Ashley Barger Poling Croger

Alexandra Ashley Barger Poling Croger, age 49, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly in an automobile accident in Monroe County, Indiana on Saturday November 18, 2023. Alexandra was born May 12, 1974 and was eagerly welcomed by her family, Joyce and John Poling and her sister, Elizabeth. She was spunky and bright eyed and always kept her family busy. She attended Montessori Elementary School for pre-school and University School for elementary school. She enjoyed participating in many dance recitals with the Shirley Keith dance studio. Alexandra was blessed to have Mrs. Talbot and Mrs. Woods as two of her most treasured teachers who guided her and supported her in her elementary school years. She then continued her high school education at Bloomington High School North and then at Marion Heights Academy in Ferdinand, Indiana. Alexandra continued her education and attended University of Southern Indiana in Evansville, Indiana, spending quality time with her beloved now-deceased grandparents, Mamalie and Daddy Hugh Barger, and then she went on to earn her Associates Degree from Hopkinsville Community College. After living in Hopkinsville, Kentucky for several years and getting divorced, she came back to live a full and wonderful life in Monroe County. She enjoyed volunteering with many groups in the community and was especially fond of her time working with the wonderful women at the Monroe County Historical Society. Alexandra had an amazing knitting talent and she made many beautiful blankets and scarves for family and friends and others. Alexandra fiercely battled throat cancer which spread to her lungs but she did not let the treatments or the disease knock her down. She was determined to overcome great odds and she fought and did not let the cancer define her or take her life in the end. Alexandra loved spending time with her family and found amazing joy with her dog Rex and she truly enjoyed her friendships with her many Deer Run neighbors in Ellettsville. Despite her illness, Alexandra loved to travel frequently to Lake Havasu, Arizona and Orlando, Florida with her Aunt Gloria and this past summer she was able to travel to Paris, France with her mom, Aunt Gloria and her niece, Tierney to enjoy a riverboat cruise. She also treasured her numerous, wonderful visits with her Aunt Carol and close cousins Michele and Marcy and their children and grandchildren. The family would like to thank Dr. Jacqueline Joyce and Nurse Navigator Frank Deckard for their tremendous care and support for Alexandra. The family would also like to thank the Monroe County History Center Garage Sale Ladies who provided a comfortable and safe place for Alexandra and would like to thank all of her Deer Run neighbors who looked out for her and ensured she was safe walking Rex. Alexandra had a special relationship with Shannon Keith and her husband and their children, and Alexandra’s family is so thankful for the love and support Alexandra and her entire family receive from the Keith Family. Alexandra is survived by her beloved parents, John Maurice Poling and Joyce Elaine Barger Poling and her sister Elizabeth (Donald) Hanigan and Alexandra’s niece and nephew who brought her great joy, Tierney Hanigan and Will Hanigan, who cherish their time they had with their Aunt Alex and will miss her dearly. Alexandra is also survived by many loving aunts, uncles and cousins. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Alexandra’s memory to the Ivy Tech Foundation or the Monroe County History Center. A visitation will be held to celebrate Alexandra's life on Tuesday, November 21st, 2023 from 5pm-7:30pm at Allen Funeral Home (4155 S. Old State Road 37, Bloomington, IN 47401).

Tributes

Alexandra Ashley Barger Poling Croger

May 12, 1974 - November 18, 2023