A Celebration of The Life of Helen Marie Ponder, 95, of Athens is scheduled for 6:00 p.m., Monday, April 9, 2012 at Lakeland House Assisted Living in Athens, Texas. Graveside Services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 31, 2012 at the City Cemetery in Schulenburg, Texas. She went to be with her Lord on Thursday, March 29, 2012 in Athens, Texas.



Helen was born as an only child on November 5, 1916 in Schulenburg, Texas to Kate Dale Mayes and Thomas Henry Horne. The majority of her life was spent in Houston, Texas where she was an active member of Park Place Baptist Church for 50 years. She was also busy with her work with the Order of the Eastern Star, Park Place Chapter 731 since 1993. Helen moved to Arlington, Texas in 2002 and continued to be involved and active in her church and senior groups. Due to illness, she moved to Athens, Texas in 2004. Because of her determination and strong will, she made a full recovery and has spent the last years of her life being a friend, encourager, and blessing to those who knew her.



She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Morris E. Ponder; one daughter, Barbara; and her parents.



Helen is survived by daughter Betty Simmons and son-in-law Jerry of Denver, CO; daughter Bonnie Miller and son-in-law Jerry, of Frisco; four grandsons: Jeff Simmons and wife Terrie of Arvada, CO, Dr. Paul Simmons of Grand Junction, CO, Jaye Miller and wife Krissi of Richardson, and Brian Miller and wife Laura of Little Elm; one granddaughter, Laura Owen and husband James of Athens; eleven great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.



Pallbearers will be Jeff Simmons, Paul Simmons, Jason Miller, Brian Miller, Brad Owen, Kenneth Owen and Matthew Owen.

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