Betty Jean Ponder's Obituary
Age 78, passed away suddenly on April 12, 2008. Her passing leaves an incredible void in the hearts of those who loved her. Yet her spirit lives on in the love that was forged by 60 years of marriage, child- and grand-child rearing, plus countless lives touched by her service to her church and community for over half a century. Betty Jean Ponder was born to Robert Windfield and Ellen Louise Porter Scott on June 6th, 1929 in Hillsboro, Texas. Shortly thereafter she moved to Waco. She attended Waco Public Schools and graduated from Waco High in the class of 1946. After high school, she sang part time with a local band. She married Jack Ponder, an aspiring young attorney in 1948, and set up home in Waco, Texas where Jack started practicing law and working with Texas Farm Bureau. They moved to Corpus Christi for a brief time. Then, in 1963, she and Jack relocated to the Dallas area where he took a job with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, a job he held until his retirement in 1990. She was a devoted member United Disciples Christian Church of Richardson (formerly First Christian Church). She was very active in church activities, but her true joy came from the twenty-two years she served in the church bazaar. She is survived by her husband Jack Ponder and two adult children, Dr. Stephen Ponder and Stacey Frey, as well as their spouses, Patsy Ponder and John Frey. She was blessed with five wonderful grandchildren: Charlotte, Rachel and Jack Ponder, and Amanda and Patrick Frey. Betty shouldered the roles of wife, mother and friend with phenomenal grace and dignity. She left indelible impressions on all the people who ever came to know and love her. While she continues her journey into the next world, she leaves this world far better off than when she entered it. A day will not pass where she will not be missed. Visitation will be held Monday, April 14th from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Restland Funeral Home. Services will be held at United Disciples Christian Church, 601 East Main St., Richardson, Texas on April 15, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to United Disciples Christian Church.
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