Leona M. Ponda, of Chesterton, passed away Thursday, Aug. 7, 2008 at VNA Horton Hospice Center, Valparaiso. She was 55.

She was born June 17, 1953, the daughter of Manuel and Lottie (Szostek) Ponda, both of whom preceded her in death.

She is survived by 14 siblings: Catherine “Cookie” Hennings, Betty Cleek, Rose Bozan, Bob (Gayle) Ponda, Angie Laing (Doug Stevens), Anna (Corky) Caldwell, Mickey (Judi) Ponda, Manuel Ponda, Dominick Ponda, Charlotte (Rick) Buckingham, Debbie (Ben) Himes, Richard (Linda) Ponda, David Ponda, Angelo Ponda. Many loving nieces and nephews also survive.

Leona was a member of the Portage Church of Christ. She had worked at Opportunity Enterprises and retired from there. Leona loved to dance, play Uno, and was a loyal fan of Elvis.

Funeral services, Minister Jerry Cleek officiating (nephew of the deceased), will be at 11 a.m., Monday, Aug. 11 at White-Love Funeral Home, 525 S. 2nd St., Chesterton. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Portage.

The family will receive friends from 2-8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 10 at White-Love Funeral Home.

For information, please call 926-1309.

Posted 8/8/2008