Josephine Ponikvar

After a full life, Josephine went to the Lord on November 12, 2018. She was 99.
Josephine was born in Leadville, Colorado to Mary (nee Fear) and Joseph Plut on February 27, 1919. She was the 12th child and youngest in the family. She had fond memories growing up in the small mining community. Her father died when she was only 15 months old, leaving her mother to raise all 12 children. Her mother instilled the values of religion, honesty, and hard work, which Josephine maintained these values throughout her entire life.
She and John Ponikvar fell in love and were married in 1940. They had a lasting marriage of 58 years. The family moved to Durango in 1959 for more job opportunities and a warmer climate.
She had several small jobs over time, but her fulltime job was a stay-at-home mother and homemaker. She enjoyed cooking and baking. There was always a cake, pie, or cookies in the kitchen. In later years, she cut down on baking, and truly missed it when she had to give it up for health reasons. She also enjoyed spending evenings embroidering, but couldn't continue when her arthritis became too much. She never learned to drive but could always find a friend or family member to drive her. If no one was available, she would walk.
After John died in 1998, she remained independent and in her home until 3 years ago. She was very fortunate to have neighbors and friends to assist with her household needs and errands especially when she became homebound. The last 3 years, she became a resident at Four Corners Health Care Center where she had a wonderful staff waiting on her.
She is preceded in death by her parents, 11 brothers and sisters, husband John, and daughter Janice Marie Davis.
Josephine is survived by her daughter, Ann Louise "Babe" Teague of Dallas, TX, son David of Spring, TX, 3 Grandchildren, 6 Great Grandchildren, 8 Great Great Grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
There will be a Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, Novemeber 20, 2018 at 11am at St. Columba Catholic Church, 1800 W. 2nd Ave., Durango, with interment at Greenmount Cemetery following services.