Patricia A. Pontius

Jan. 17, 1937 - Dec. 24, 2012

ELKHART - Patricia A. "Pat" Pontius, 75, of Elkhart, passed away at 4:20 p.m. Monday, Dec. 24, 2012, at Kindred Nursing and Rehabilitation Valley View.

She was born Jan. 17, 1937, in Goshen to Frank and Fern (Ganger) Shaffer. She married Richard J. Pontius on Jan. 18, 1954, in Bristol. He preceded her in death on June 15, 1991, in Elkhart.

Surviving are a daughter, Gloria (Ronald) Trosper; three sons, Frank (Teresa) Pontius, Steve (Connie) Pontius and David (Rachel) Pontius, all of Elkhart; 11 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Peggy Lee (John) Lancaster of Elkhart.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a great-grandson, Cameron Lee Trosper.

Pat was employed for 15 years by the Baugo Community Schools, working in the cafeteria. She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of American Legion Post 308. Pat enjoyed playing bingo, doing crafts, shopping with her sister and playing cards. She enjoyed watching Westerns on TV and was a big fan of John Wayne and Dean Martin.

Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday Dec. 28, 2012, at Walley-Mills-Zimmerman Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 28, 2012, at the funeral home. Dave Waugh and Davis Webster will preside. Burial will be private at a later date in Osceola Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to American Heart Association or United Cancer Services of Elkhart County.


Memories and Condolences

Mary Lynn Head, West Palm Beach, FL

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Pat was very dear to my mother, Marilyn Rushford (Mickey) and I, and I will always remember the two of them coming to Florida together and what fun we all had! I will also be reminded that everytime I see a Pelican, that Pat just loved them! Now my mom and she can continue that bingo game beyond the golden gates together! R.I.P my dear Pat....

Brenda Collins, Elkhart, IN

I never metyour mom Steve but you always talked so lovingly of her. I felt like I knew her. I know of your pain. Our family is praying for you and your family at this very sad time of your life. Brenda and Clay Collins Kim Campbell, Brian Campbell

trudy pickle, elkhart, IN

heartfelt prayer from my family to yours. pat was a woman with heart and laughter, and she will be missed. with deepest sympathy-marlene,norman,larry, and trudy.

Gary Eller, Osceola, IN

I always liked Mom she was always very nice to be around and to me.Mom will be missed very much. Gary Eller Osceola,In.

Lillian Bogart, Elkhart, IN

Pat was a dear friend of my mother Georgia. So sad to hear of her passing. Rest with Jesus Pat. Pat was fun to be around. Her laugh was very special.. warm and no matter how down you may have been her laugh made you forget your troubles for a little while. Prayers be with all of her children and sister.

Jess Spry, Elkhart, IN

My sympathies to the family. As a student I still well remember nice and friendly she was in the lunch line. I always felt she looked out for the "picked on" kids and always had that special smile for you that made you feel special. She has a strong personality that couldn't hide her big warm heart. Rest in the arms of the Lord Mrs. Pontius!

Ruth Hackler, Princeton, IN

Lois (Wisler) Davidson (widowed) 3097 E. Curtice Lane, Princeton, IN Inez (Wisler) Eash (Husband Charles) 301 E. Adams Osceola, IN Ruth (Kelley) Hackler (husband Tom)3097 E. Curtice Lane, Princeton, iN To the family, I have included family history to help you identify who we are. It saddens us to hear of Pat's passing. We saw her last at my brother Dennis Kelley's funeral in January 2012. We enjoyed talking with her. She was always near and dear to us. Weather will prevent us from making the trip north. We have 10-12 inches of snow and are under a snow emergency. Travel is not good for those of us who live in Princeton. We send our love to all. From the family.

Susan Walker-Finfrock, Elkhart, IN

My heart goes out to the family at this time of loss. My family lived beside the Pontius family for a few years, our Mom's were good friends, I remember them raising chickens together, and later we all ate them! We use to catch lightning bugs and play endless games of baseball and hide and go seek. Gloria and I use to color in our coloring books for hours on end on their living room floor. I also remember picking the very best blackberries across the street....R.I.P. Pat.