Shirley Mae Ponder, age 85, of Owenton, Kentucky, departed this life on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at Frankfort Regional Medical Center.
Shirley was born September 6, 1940, in Sprule, Kentucky to the late Wilton and Ellen Smith.
Along with her parents, Wilton and Ellen, Shirley is also preceded in death by her spouse, Charles E. Ponder, 13 children, five infant children, Betty Brock, Nellie Brock, Pamela Brock, Bonnie Brock, and Diane Brock, Max-Dale Brock, Suzanne Ellis, Victor Brock, Jack S. Ponder, Connie Brock, Marlow Brock, two brothers, Arvin Smith, and Elmer Smith, one sister, Vina Reynolds, and a granddaughter, Dezarae Brock.
Shirley leaves behind two children, Janet Ponder (Lee Roy Burnett) and Joe Ponder, 10 grandchildren, James Bart (Nikkco) Abner, Nicholas Smith, Destinee Ellen Austin (Spencer), Leslie DeWain Saylor, Larry Hamblin, Alecia Sparrow, Victor D. Brock, Lola Brock, T.J. Ponder, and Maggie Ponder, 15 great grandchildren, one brother, Wilton Jr. Smith, four sisters, Nelly Wheat (Larry), Kathleen Smith (Lester), Anna Lee Brewer (David), and Wanda Carter, a host of nieces and nephews, and other family and friends to miss her and to mourn her passing. The family would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Lohe, Heather Medley RN @ Pineville Dialysis Clinic, a very special friend Ashley Dawn, and Mill Creek Baptist Church.
Shirley enjoyed gardening, sitting on the porch, and spending time with her family. She was of the Christian faith, and she never doubted her relationship with God. Shirley was an animal lover, and she loved to spoil her dogs with dog treats and rolls of bologna. Shirley enjoyed listening to preachers on TV and singing tunes that she knew from memory. Shirley was an excellent story teller and could paint a picture with the stories she told.
Funeral services for Shirley Mae Ponder will be held on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 2:00 P.M at the chapel of The Barbourville Funeral Home. Pastor Jonathan Neely and Spencer Austin will be officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:00 P.M until the time of service at 2:00 P.M. Interment will be on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 2:00 P.M at the Ponder Family Cemetery in Owenton, Kentucky.
Pallbearers will be the family and friends.
The Barbourville Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Shirley Mae Ponder.
