Wilma "Colene" Ponder (nee Cobb), 81, of Batavia, Ohio, went home to be with the Lord on February 22nd. She passed away suddenly surrounded by her loved ones.

Colene was the devoted wife of over 56 years to Willie Ponder. She was the loving mother and mother-in-law to Sheree and Chad Fritz. She was the greatest "GeeGee" to her three grandchildren Keeley, Carson, and Keaton Rainone and bonus grandmother to Ryne and Cailey Fritz. Colene was the dear sister of Lillian Bowles, James (Pat) Cobb, Doris McCormick, Dorothy (Doug) Thompson, Robert (Jennifer) Cobb and sister-in-law to Judy Cobb, Wilma (Jr.) Johnson and Barb (Lowell) Fletcher. She was preceded in death by her parents, Willie and Irene Cobb, in-laws Granville and Maymee Ponder, brother Willie Cobb, Jr. and brothers-in-law Clarence Ponder, James Bowles, and Kenneth McCormick. She also leaves behind, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Colene was born on September 2nd, 1941 in Gibbs, Kentucky. She grew up on the family farm and graduated from Knox Central High School. After attending Cumberland College, Colene began her teaching career at Batavia Local School District. She and Willie were married in 1966 and raised their daughter in Milford, OH. Colene retired from Goshen Local Schools after 25 years of teaching 1st grade and Title I Reading at Marr Primary.

More than anything, Colene was devoted to her family. Willie was her best friend and they loved spending time together. Sheree was the light of her life. Once her grandchildren were born, she transitioned from teaching many to loving three. She enjoyed guiding them as they grew up and loved watching every activity and sport they were involved in. They inherited her love of games, her wittiness, and love of spending time with those she loved and cherished. Family gatherings were always something that she looked forward to. She loved to cook and enjoyed gardening, sitting on her back porch, putting puzzles together, and going shopping with her sister Dorothy.

Friends will be received from 10 AM to 12 Noon on Monday, February 27th at Tufts Schildmeyer Funeral Home, 1668 St. Rt. 28, Goshen, where services will begin at 12 Noon on Monday. Rev. Cole Smith officiating.

Interment, Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Montgomery, OH.

Memorial donations may be made in memory of Colene Ponder to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306

Pallbearers for Colene are: Chad Fritz, Keaton Rainone, Carson Rainone, Doug Thompson, Eric Thompson and Grady Marker.