Mary Ponce

Mary Ponce, 94, of Galesburg, died at 4:05 p.m. Friday, March 18, 2016 at home.   Mary was born September 25, 1921 in Galesburg, the daughter of Zacarias and Emelia Gonzales Maciel.  She married Leonso Lee Ponce on June 5, 1939 in Davenport, IA.  He preceded her in death on November 16, 2006.  Mary is survived by two sons, Robert Lee Ponce and Ruben Ponce both of Galesburg; one daughter, A. Jovita (Jesse) Perez of Galesburg; 5 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; and 4 great great grandchildren.  Along with her husband and parents, Mary was preceded in death by two brothers and one sister.   Mary was a lifetime member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and a longtime member of the Altar and Rosary Society.  She was also a 58 year member of the L.U.L.A.C. Club in Galesburg.  Her family was the most important thing in her life.  She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.   The rosary will be prayed at 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 22, 2016 at Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory.  The visitation will follow from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.  Her Funeral Mass will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 23, 2016 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.  Rev. William T. Miller, IC will officiate.  Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Galesburg.  A luncheon will follow graveside services at the parish center at St. Patrick’s Church.  Memorials may be made to St. Patrick’s Church or the Altar and Rosary Society.