Celia "Sally" R. Ponce

Celia “Sally” Rosenda Ponce, 97, passed away December 9, 2023 at Allure of Lake Storey, Galesburg, Illinois. She was born March 1, 1926 in Galesburg, to Jose and Isabel (Casillas) Padilla, and married Salvador Ponce on July 10, 1942 in Kahoka, Missouri.

Sally is survived by 5 sons, Jaime (Irene) Ponce, Samuel (Maria) Ponce, Ernesto Ponce, and Rocky (Sue) Ponce all of Galesburg, and Rick (Merrill) Ponce of Macomb, Illinois; along with 12 grandchildren,18 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild, 1 step grandchild, and 5 step great grandchildren. She is also survived by 2 sisters, Jennie Vasquez and Elizabeth “Pinky” (Dave) Ewing both of Galesburg; and two brothers, Anthony Padilla and Richard Padilla both of Galesburg.

Sally was preceded in death by her parents, her husband in 1999, an infant daughter, Amelia “Molly” Ponce in 1943, a grandson, Clinton Hutson Tebbs in 2019, sisters, Helen Guerrero, Mary Jo Schaefer, Juanita Padilla, Frances Cervantez and brothers, Manuel, Edward, Alejandro, Jesus, and Armando “Joe” Padilla.

Sally was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church and past member of the LULAC (League of United Laten American Citizens) Club. She was a homemaker and worked at the Costa Catholic School lunchroom for many years. Sally and Salvador loved to dance. She also loved to cook and play bingo.

Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, December 22, 2023 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. The rosary will be prayed at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, December 23, 2023 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Galesburg. Father Lee Brokaw will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Galesburg. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Patrick Catholic Church or to Children’s Hospital of Illinois.