Russell 'Rusty' William Polovich, aged 72 of Midway, AR passed away on February 14, 2026 surrounded by his loved ones at Baxter Health.

Rusty was born in Chicago, IL February 10, 1954 to Joe & Sophie Polovich. He attended Spaulding School in Midlothian, IL. While there he liked to play hooky from time to time to ride his bike to the nearest dirt track to sneak in to watch the races. Rusty was a lifetime fan of dirt tracks and NASCAR. He and his family moved in '71 to Isabella where he graduated from Gainesville High School in 1973. Rusty went on to work at Micro Plastics, Mar Bax, Dow Janitorial Services and Gastons.

He is preceded in death by Joseph Polovich, Sophie (Vigjen) Polovich, brothers, Gary Polovich and Joey Polovich, and one sister, Linda Jones (Polovich). Rusty is survived by his daughters, Renee Blakey, her husband Ellis Blakey, Rachel Polovich, and Donna McCoy and her husband John McCoy; one sister, Jackie Klineline; grandchildren, Makayla Souder, Katelyn Woodward (Souder), Newt Souder, Corbin Buresh, and Emree McCoy; great grandchild, Ellie May Woodward; and his best friend Tina Marler; god daughter, Jacie Marler; Katie Marler and the Marler family; cousins, aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces and many friends.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at Clinkingbeard Funeral Home in Gainesville, MO at 11 a.m. Jeff Dobson will be the pastor. Arrangements are under the direction of Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville, MO.