Jacqueline LaTurno Ponder
June 17, 1929 – February 7, 2016

Jacqueline LaTurno Ponder, 86, of Yorktown and Pflugerville, Texas passed away peacefully with family at her side, on Sunday, February 7, 2016, in Round Rock, Texas.
Jackie was born June 17, 1929 in Festus, Missouri to William K. LaTurno and Alice Noami (Vinyard) LaTurno. Following her 1947 graduation from Festus High School, she trained at Deaconess School of Nursing in St. Louis, Missouri and became a Registered Nurse. Jackie moved to Houston, Texas to further her nursing career, working at the then new Methodist Hospital. She later worked at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, and was proud to have had the opportunity to work in medical research with Drs. Michael DeBakey and Denton Cooley to develop an artificial heart.

In the early 70’s, Jackie and her husband Jim started a small business and Jackie completed training to become a licensed Real Estate Broker. She worked in residential real estate for a few years, and then for J. Ponder, Inc. as an Independent Petroleum Landman primarily subcontracted to Exxon until her retirement in 1992. Jackie was an active member of the American and Houston Associations of Petroleum Landmen and HAPL Ladies Auxiliary, and was known throughout the industry in Texas for her strong capabilities as a land person and trainer.

Jackie dearly loved and enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, and adored her grand and great-grand children and pets. She also loved gardening, taking walks, and playing dominoes. Her Christian faith remained strong throughout her life. For the past 25+ years, Jackie was an active member in the First Presbyterian Church of Yorktown, TX.

Jackie is survived by her three daughters and sons-in-laws: Mary Ann Ponder Cook of Pflugerville, TX, Peggy McKay (Donald) of Plantersville, Texas, and Carol (Paul) Galow of Brenham, Texas; grandchildren: Wes, Donny (Veronica), Bradley (Stephanie), Nicholas (Aimee), Morgan (Vanessa), Heather, Cullen, and Matthew; great-grandchildren: Jackie, Isabel, Kaden, Lyndon, Wyatt, Camden, Abigail and Adeline; sister-In-Law: June Ponder Harrison; nieces: Patricia Ponder and Eve Ponder (Robin); nephew: Kerry Ponder; and other loved family members. Jackie was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, James David Ponder; brother William K. (Sonny) LaTurno; sister Mary Francis Nenninger; and nieces, Angie Ponder and Belinda Ponder.

A private memorial service honoring Jackie will be held in the future. As is representative of Jackie’s loving and generous spirit, she chose to donate her body to the Texas A&M University Medical School for the advancement of science. Any donations to your local animal shelter in her honor are welcomed and greatly appreciated.