Frances Ponder, 86, born June 20, 1935, in Waddy, Kentucky to the late John William and Margaret Ann Cox Smith.  She passed away December 25, 2021, at the Barathaven Alzheimer Care Center in Dardenne Prairie, MO.

She grew up on the family farm near Simpsonville, Kentucky along with her surviving siblings Anna Mae Gibson of Havelock, NC, James "Jimmy" Smith of Simpsonville, KY, Jerry Smith of Taylorville, KY.  In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by 3 brothers: John "Little William" Smith, Jr ,  Carl Smith and Larry Smith..

Upon graduating from Simpsonville High School, she attended Norton Memorial Nursing School in Louisville. While there, she met a young student at the Mortuary School around the corner on a blind date, Harold Ponder.  They married on June 22, 1956, within six months of meeting.  They were married in their Minister's apartment with only their parents, best man, Joe Jones and matron of honor and sister, Anna Mae.  The remainder of their time in Louisville while finishing school they lived in a boarding house.  Upon completing their schooling, they moved to Lilbourn where Harold returned to the family funeral business, and she did private duty nursing.  It wasn't long until their children arrived. A son, Lonnie, arrived in September 1957 followed by his little sister, Linda, in November 1959.  Upon the birth of Lonnie, she did not work outside the home until Linda started kindergarten.  Frances went to work at the New Madrid County Health Department until her retirement June 20,1995 after 30 years of service. Through the years she was blessed with three grandchildren Rick, Drew, and Rodger; four great-grandchildren, Joel, Lucas, Dane, and Deaken; and one granddog, Frankie.

Frances always enjoyed life spending time with her family and friends.  She had many interests throughout her life.  Many church activities at the First Baptist Church, where she was a member.  She served as Treasurer of the Lilbourn Civic Improvement Club for many years.  She was awarded the woman of the year in 1986 by Beta Sigma Phi Sorority. She loved taking care of her family, cooking delicious meals, sewing, knitting, and traveling.  After her retirement she and Harold traveled all over the United States and Canada.  Her favorite trips were two trips to Alaska, this had been their dream trip for many years.  She enjoyed the wildlife and beauty of the countryside.  The most surprising interest she had was her love of NASCAR, Jeff Gordon was her driver.  She was fortunate enough to meet him once.  She was excited when Jeff's daughter Ella was born on her birthday.

On October 4, 2009, she suffered a major stroke.  This stroke would have kept most people from going and doing.  While there were some things she could not do, she continued to push and do the best she could.  Difficulty with her speech was probably the worst for her as she loved to call up family and friends and talk on the phone, most did not understand that it cheered her up if they would just call and tell her things without her responding or responding very little.  She continued to travel with Harold's help.  They continued to attend two races each year until their final race in May 2016 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.  However, she did continue to watch races every weekend during racing season.

January 4, 2020, she and Harold admitted themselves to the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau in hopes that it would only be until she was strong enough to go back home to their little house in Lilbourn.  It wasn't long however that they both realized that they would not be able to return home.  In August 2021, they moved to Barathaven Alzheimer's Special Care Center to be closer to their daughter Linda.

Friends may call at the First Baptist Church in Lilbourn from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 28, 2021, where funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 29, with Rev. Allen Nichols, Pastor, officiating.

Interment will follow at the Dogwood Cemetery, in Dogwood, MO., under the direction of Ponder Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Andy Weeks, Zach Dees, Jamie King, Jimmy King, Jerry Webb Duncan, and Jim Lovett.

The family requests memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital or the First Baptist Church of Lilbourn, P.O Box 294, Lilbourn, MO 63862.