Virginia Ann Ponder, 88, of Imboden, AR passed away on January 23, 2024 after a long and fulfilling life dedicated to her family and to the Lord.
Virginia was born on September 29, 1935 to Virgil and Lois Baker on a farm just outside of Ravenden, Arkansas. After she graduated from Walnut Ridge High School in 1953, she went on to receive a degree in teaching at Harding University. After graduation, she began her first teaching job at a two-room schoolhouse near Light, Arkansas, kickstarting a 39 year career in education.
In 1964, Virginia bumped into a childhood friend, Bob Ponder, while working a second job at at Sloan’s Department Store in Walnut Ridge. After a short exchange, Bob left the store, went a few doors down, and called her up at work to ask her on a date that night. Three months later, the two were married on October 31, 1964. Virginia and Bob moved to the St Louis area and went on to have 2 sons, Gene and Joe.
In 1992, after a fruitful career of teaching over one thousand students, Virginia retired and spent her time babysitting her 4 grandchildren, Katie, Mary, Patrick, and Cody, traveling all over the US with Bob, and buying enough QVC and Home Shoppers products to fill a warehouse.
Virginia was predeceased by her husband of 49 years, mother and father, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. She is survived by her sons, Gene and Joe, daughters-in-law, Terrie and Christi, four grandchildren, Katie, Mary, Patrick, and Cody, grandchildren-in-law, Tyler Fry, Violet Ponder, and Jess Loche, and one great granddaughter, Briar Fry, who she was over the moon to be able to meet.
Graveside services will be held at Hope Cemetery in Imboden, AR on Saturday, January 27 at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Children’s Home in Paragould, AR, an organization Virginia felt strongly about and wanted to see thrive.
When asked what she wanted to be remembered for, Virginia always said, “the love I have for children, especially my own children and grandchildren.” Her friends and family will remember her for her abundant generosity and fiery spirit and want to thank everyone for their condolences during this difficult time.
