Carol Anne Ponke

Carol Anne Ponke, 80, of Algonac, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2024 to Congestive Heart Failure (broken heart), which is (arguable/questionable) since everyone knows she had the biggest heart of anyone! She was born, April 28, 1943 in Detroit, MI to the late Robert and Violet Kelley. Carol met her love of her life, Leroy when she was 16. Carol was with her best friend, Sally, going for a walk, and Leroy was working with his best friend ,Jerry, working on painting a house. As Carol & Sally walked past, those two were checking them out, and Leroy stepped into a bucket of paint. They ended up chatting and laughing, and the two were eventually married on February 14, 1963, he proceed her in death in 2014. Carol lived in Detroit most of her life, but would frequent their family cottage every summer on Harsens Island. She eventually moved permanently to Algonac in 1977. Carol worked as a school bus driver for Algonac Community School and Cardinal Mooney Schools from 1978 until she retired in 2005. She loved the kids so much and became very well liked or their favorite bus driver. Many of which were very close friends of her own children growing up. Carol and Leroy enjoyed going to the Casino in Canada to play penny and nickel slots, where they would win many times! They also enjoyed traveling to Frankenmuth for day, weekend getaways and Niagara Falls for vacationing. Carol was a dedicated mother first and foremost as she treasured her children and would spend as much time as possible with her family. Carol was an avid Tiger baseball fan, her favorite phrase when watching the team play was in reference to star player Willie Horton, she would shout, "hit that ball, Willie!" And more than once, he did hit the ball, even for a homerun! For most of the late 1970s, early 1980s Mom would enjoy fishing on the boardwalk up town in Algonac. It was her outlet when the kids were at school and her husband away at Chevrolet Gear & Axle in Hamtramck. A view of any freighter would make it a lucky day she would say. Leroy’s famous saying to Carol and his children was “Watch Yourself” and Carol carried it on after Leroy passed away. Carol would say it to her children every time left the house. Family gatherings, celebrations, supporting her grandchildren and attending sporting events. She hardly ever missed any event, even after her grandchildren graduated from high school, she would still attend every football game. She was a devoted member of St. Catherine/Our Lady on the River Parish. She also served as a member of the Lady’s Guild where she was the secretary for many years. Carol was a well-known face in her little town. She would take hours to shop at the local Kroger because she ran into to so many people she knew! It was her social hour! She is survived by her brother Robert (Karen) Kelley; four children, David Ponke, Steven (Dawn) Ponke, Kelly (Jeff) Osterland and LeeRoy Ponke and grandchildren, Abigail and Sara Osterland, Alex Ponke, Tegan and Emily Ponke and many special nieces and nephews. Carol lived an incredible long life and made many amazing memories with her family. “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.” Remember when the Cardinal bird visits us, too, it may be a visit from her, as that was her FAVORITE bird! Carol came to visit her daughter, Kelly, the day after she went to heaven.... two cardinals showed up in her back yard. I have fought the good fight, I finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7 Funeral services will be held Sunday, January 14th at 3:00 p.m. at Young Gilbert Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Algonac. Visitation will be 2 hours prior to service from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Our Lady on the River Parish. Messages of condolence are welcomed at www.younggilbertfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by the Young Gilbert Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc. Algonac, MI.

Carol Anne Ponke

April 28, 1943 - January 10, 2024