Virginia Ann Ponder, 88, of Imboden, Arkansas passed away on January 23, 2024, after a long and fulfilling life dedicated to her family and the Lord. Virginia was born on September 29, 1935, to Virgil and Lois Baker on a farm just outside of Ravenden, Arkansas. After graduating from Walnut Ridge High School in 1953, she went on to receive a degree in teaching at Harding University and a master’s degree from ASU. 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 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 for 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 two sons, Gene and Joe. In 1992, after a fruitful career of teaching over one thousand students, Virginia retired and spent her time babysitting her four 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 preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, mother and father, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Virginia is survived by her sons, Gene and Joe, daughters-inlaw, Terrie and Christi, four grandchildren, Katie, Mary, Patrick, and Cody, grandchildren in-law, Tyler Fry, Violet Ponder, and Jess Lochner, 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 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. They take comfort in knowing that Virginia and Bob are finally together again, smiling, laughing, and most definitely arguing over a game of Rummy.