Jill Dee Olar

Jill Dee (Schmalfeldt) Olar, 82, of Monrovia, passed peacefully from this life in the early morning hours on Tuesday, August 9, 2022, while in the comfort of her home and surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Connersville, IN, on February 16, 1940, to the late Hubert Henry and Ada Maxine (White) Schmalfeldt. Raised in the rural country life of Connersville, Jill was the second child of six, holding a special bond with all her brothers and sister and especially a unique bond with her older brother Jack (Jack and Jill). The kids spent their summers assisting on their aunt and uncle’s farm, learning the lessons of hard work and dedication. A proud graduate from Connersville High School, Jill was a devoted single mother of two young daughters, securing employment with RCA while her girls were young. Moving on from RCA to BALKAMP to advance her career, she not only moved up, but she also met her future husband, Greg, a fellow co-worker. Smitten with her beauty, he asked her to accompany him to a local hockey game. The pair dated for five years before vowing their forever love on July 31, 1981. A die-hard Jeff Gordon fan Jill took an early interest in his career, first following him in the Sprint and Midget Car Series, until he began racing NASCAR. Hooked from the start, she and Greg traveled the eastern United States with their camper, attending ten races a year for twelve years. Upon retirement from Target as Jewelry Sales Associate in 2000, and with a yearning for the life in the country, the couple sold their camper and bought their forever home west of Monrovia. Continuing their love of travel, they visited Australia, took a cruise to Bermuda, along with daring to ride in a hot air balloon for her husband Greg’s birthday, Untamed in her youth, Jill was adventurous, energetic, and fun loving, riding her 350 Honda Motorcycle out west, bringing back a six-foot pair of bull horns strapped to the front of the bike. She enjoyed listening to country music, playing volleyball and softball, continuously keeping up with her adored grandchildren and then great grandchildren. Known for her green thumb, she planted and tended many flowerbeds around her home. Not only was Jill a loving and dedicated mother she was also their friend, endlessly worrying about their well-being. Above all she cherished her family deep in her heart, especially her beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren who they followed their activities after they mellowed out in their later years. Jill would usually have a cowbell at sporting events and her daughter, Tracie, hopes that you would think of mom when you hear one. She will be truly missed by all who knew and loved her. She was the life of the party and there was never a dull moment when she was around. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Jerry Schmalfeldt (and sister-in-law, Pam), grandchild, Deseree’ Davis, and niece, Lora Schmalfeldt. Jill leaves behind her loving husband of 41 years, Greg Olar of Monrovia; children, Taryn Valbert (Wendell), and Tracie Lacher (John), both of Martinsville; siblings, Jack Schmalfeldt (Sherran) of Plainfield, Jeffrey Schmalfeldt (Patricia) of North Carolina, Jay Schmalfeldt (Molly) of Texas, and Jennifer Hoyt (Daryl) of Maryland; grandchildren, Heather Otto (Tim), Wesley Valbert (Kori), both of Martinsville, and Michael “Ryan” Lacher (Amanda) of Eminence; great grandchildren, Zachary, Jacob, and Samuel Hamilton, Wade and Emmy Valbert, and Taylor, Faith, and Jamie Lacher; nephews and nieces, Cherryl Neher, Bruce, Rhonda, Derek, Todd Schmalfeldt, Wendy Skinner, Tanja Schmalfeldt, and Nathan, Jasmine, and Chrysan Hoyt. Cremation Arrangements have been entrusted to Light Memorial & Funeral Chapel in Monrovia. Per Jill’s wishes, no services will be held at this time. In lieu of flowers, please donate to American Cancer Society, Franciscan Hospice or a charity of your choice. Please feel free to share a favorite story, send an online condolence to the family, or light a candle in her memory, please search Facebook for Light Memorial & Funeral Chapel @MonroviaFuneralHome or visit her tribute page at www.lightmemorial.com.

Tributes

Jill Dee Olar

February 16, 1940 - August 9, 2022