Catherine Marlene Ponder, age 87, of Iberia, Missouri, passed away on Saturday, July 23, 2022, surrounded by her family at home. She was born in Iberia on December 17, 1934, daughter of the late Samuel "Sammy" and Iris (Livingston) Burks. On May 30, 1953, in Wichita Falls, Texas, Catherine married Louie Ponder, who survives in the home. She is also survived by four children and their spouses--Morgan (Peggy) Ponder, Melody (Dallas) Hensley, Kendall (Karen) Ponder, Karla (James) Endicott; five grandchildren--Katherine "Katie" (Will) Israel, Stephen Ponder, Brennan Ponder, Jenny Patterson, Nathaniel (Lacy) Endicott; six step-grandchildren--Elizabeth (Kyle) Stewart, Rebecca (Pete) Miller, Rachel (Neil) Hugenberg, Jeb Stuart (Mila) Hensley, Rachel (Dusty) Russell, Josh (Brianne) Hensley; one great-grandchild; 16 step great-grandchildren; sister Carolyn Levell; sister-in-law Marilyn Ponder; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends. She was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Madeline Ponder Endicott. She was also preceded in death by daughter-in-law Fran Ponder, son-in-law Ron Patterson, and brothers-in-law Dorsey Levell and Perry Robert Ponder.

In their early marriage, Catherine and Louie lived in California while Louie served in the Air Force. They returned to Missouri and raised their children in Iberia where their families have lived for several generations. Catherine was an active life-long member of Hickory Point Baptist Church. She served as treasurer, brought countless trays of homemade rolls to potluck dinners, taught VBS classes, and was someone who could be counted on to help. Catherine's career included working as a secretary at the Iberia school, assistant editor for The New Iberian, and branch manager at the Heartland Library. She volunteered on the park board and as board treasurer for the Livingston Cemetery.

Catherine and Louie enjoyed traveling around the United States throughout their married life, both as a couple and with extended family and friends. On family trips, she hiked an eight-mile trail climbing 2900 feet elevation in the Rocky Mountains at age 66, pedaled around Mackinac Island at age 80, and climbed Cahokia Mounds at age 83. Catherine was a sports fan for athletes of every skill level. She rooted for multiple generations of family and friends and could always discuss the latest happenings of the St. Louis Cardinals.

Catherine will be deeply missed by her family and friends. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 26, from 9 to 11 a.m., with services immediately following at 11 a.m., at Fancher-Rekus Funeral Home in Iberia. Brandon Kissinger will officiate. Interment will be at Livingston Cemetery.

It was Catherine's wish that memorial contributions be made in memory of her granddaughter to The Madeline Ponder Endicott Pediatric Cancer Research Endowment Fund at St. Louis Children's Hospital.