Ruben C. Ponce

Ruben C. Ponce, 84, of Galesburg, died peacefully at his son’s home at 2:32 p.m. Friday, January 15, 2021. Ruben was born July 16, 1936 in Galesburg, the son of Leonso and Delores (Delgado) Ponce.  He married Virginia M. Lozano on September 6, 1958 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Galesburg.  Virginia preceded him in death on August 27, 2007.  Ruben is survived by one son, Pierre (Shelley) Ponce of Altona; one daughter, Bridgette Teel of Galesburg; six grandchildren, Brandy (Tony Hill) Ponce, Jamie Ponce, Nicole (Roy Little) Ponce, Samantha (Adam) Doubet, Jacob Teel, and Danielle Teel; as well as 9 great grandchildren.  He is also survived by one brother Robert Lee Ponce and one sister, Jovita (Jesse) Perez, both of Galesburg; extended family, Teresa Ring, Richard Norton, Kathy Simpkins and her daughter, Melanie Voss; and a special friend, Beth Herrin.  Along with his wife Virginia, Ruben was preceded in death by his parents; and his step-mother, Mary Ponce. Ruben worked at Alton Box for 44 years, retiring on July 16, 2001.  He was a faithful and active member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, serving as an usher and a member of the Third Order of the Lay Carmelites.  Ruben proudly served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict from 1955 to 1957.  Ruben’s family was the joy of his life, he especially loved to be with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.  He was a simple man who enjoyed visiting with family and friends and never met a stranger.  Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, January 18, 2021.  The rosary will be prayed at 7 p.m.  Private Funeral Mass will be at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Galesburg.  Father William T. Miller will officiate. Those wishing to attend the Mass virtually please log on to www.facebook.com/WatsonThomasFH at 10 a.m. Tuesday, January 19, 2021.  Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Galesburg.  Memorials may be made in Ruben’s memory to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church or to St. Vincent DePaul Society.