On March 10, 2018 at 6:54 p.m., June L. Ponder left this world at Ozarks Medical Center in West Plains, Missouri.
June lived a full and truly inspiring life. She was a loving and caring person who made a great impact on so many people’s lives.
June was born to John Lawrence and Lois Ledbetter on June 26, 1941 in West Plains, Missouri.
June married Charles Joseph Hodge in 1958. She had five children to that union within six years. In 1972 she married William Clay Ponder and had two children to that union. In 1983 William preceded June in death. After William’s passing in 1983, June moved from California, Missouri to undeveloped land in Pottersville, Missouri by selling a bull. June moved to this undeveloped land in Pottersville with two young children, no profession, no credit, and no driver’s license. She exemplified determination, honesty, and integrity. June never remarried after William’s passing because as she said many times throughout her life, “I’ve already had the best.” After her children were raised, June was offered training to enter the workforce to be a secretary. Declining training, June said, “I want to make man’s wages.” After being trained as a machinest, June accepted a position as Southwest contributing in the production of cannisters used to launch patriot missiles used in Desert Storm. In later years, June worked on riverboats along the Missouri River cooking for “her guys”, as she said.
June spent most of her later years fawning over her grandchildren and living life with her family. Her long stories and many words of wisdom were always appreciated as well as treasured by her friends and family. She loved growing flowers, yard sales, playing bingo, and spending time with her grandchildren. She enjoyed watching Wheel of Fortune, westerns, and The Walking Dead. June lived a life to be proud of; a life that she made the most of, worked hard at, and loved everyone. She always saw the good in people.
She is survived by her brother, Jeff Romans; seven children, Gloria Hodge, Judy Edmunds and spouse Robert, Barb Allen and spouse John Allen, Charlotte Hodge, Marvin Hodge, Sylvia Ponder Bales, spouse, Jim Bales, and Amanda Ponder. From these seven children, June is survived by thirteen grandchildren and five great great grandchildren.
Preceding her in death is her mother, Lois Romans; and her father, Ralph Romans; her sister, Kathy Moody; her late husband, William Clay Ponder; and her grandson Tommy Wright.
Funeral services for June L. Ponder will be held on Tuesday, March 13, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Carter Funeral Home Chapel, West Plains, Missouri.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 13, 2018 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. also in Carter Chapel, West Plains.
Burial will be in Union Grove Cemetery, Howell County, Missouri under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc., West Plains, Missouri.
March 19, 2018 @ 5:02 pm
So said. But I remember she had a heart of gold. No limit to loving anyone. My heart hurts. But I know she is safe in Gods hands. I am very sorry to you all. Losing your mom or dad is soo hard. (((Hugz))) to all. Our deepest condolences. God bless.
March 22, 2018 @ 8:32 pm
I knew June in Kansas, She just had 5 children then. June and I had many good times. Cooked together, Shared recipes. Oh my the yards sales we went to. She was always a strong person. Could depend on her. She loved her children, I learned a lot from June how to care for my baby. It is sad she had to leave. I am sure she is rejoicing with loved ones that had gone on before her.