Pawnee County, Oklahoma, Obituary:  BLANCHE IRENE PONCE
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Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Joann Brazee
Osage County News Service (OCNS)
http://ocns.freeyellow.com/
Email: ocns@hotmail.com
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                        BLANCHE IRENE PONCE

OCNS - July 30, 2002 - Blanche Irene Ponce, 83, was born August 24, 1918 
in Pea Ridge, Arkansas, the daughter of Edward Monroe and Nellie (Warren) 
Mitchell.   She was reared and received her early childhood education in 
the Pea Ridge area and later moved with her family to Cleveland, Oklahoma 
where she attended Cleveland schools.

Upon completion of her education, Blanche began working at Bishop's 
Restaurant in Tulsa and continued working their for many years.   While 
working at Bishop's, Blanche met Joe Ponce who was stationed at Fort Sill, 
Oklahoma, while serving in World War II.   Joe and Blanche were married 
and moved to Key West, Florida where they established their home in 1942.   
For many years Blanche owned and operated a beauty shop in Key West.   She 
and Joe also operated a restaurant.   Following the death of her husband 
and due to her own failing health, Blanche moved to Cleveland to be near 
her sister, Iva Cox. 

Blanche was a fun loving person who loved living in Florida.   She often 
spoke of her memories of the beauty and excitement of residing in Key West 
where she was a member of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and spent countless 
hours entertaining and going to functions.   Although she never had 
children, she considered her nephew, Harold Cox, as her only son.

Blanche passed away Friday, July 26, 2002 at the Cushing Regional Hospital 
in Cushing, Oklahoma at the age of eighty-three years, eleven months and 
two days.   For the previous eight months she had resided at the Drumright 
(Oklahoma) Nursing Home with her sister.

Blanche is survived by her sister, Iva Marie Cox and nephew, Harold Cox 
both of Cleveland; two great nieces, Stacy Weldon of Cleveland and Leigh 
Ann Smith of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.   In addition to her husband, Blanche 
was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, Hurley Mitchell, 
Rudolph Warren and Bryant Mitchell.

Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 30, 2002 at the 
Chapel of the Chapman-Black Funeral Home.   Burial was in the Woodland 
Cemetery in Cleveland, under the direction of Chapman-Black Funeral Home.

Visit an online obituary and guest book for Blanche Ponce at:   
Chapman-Black Funeral Home.