Imelda Ponton

Imelda Ponton was born to Juana Victoria Vargas and Jose Abelardo Vargas, on January 1, 1951, in Quito, Ecuador, South America. She departed this life on January 18, 2025, at McKay-Dee Hospital in Ogden, Utah. Throughout her life, she touched the hearts and lives of many. 

She is survived by her children, Jhamyre and Becca Ponton; and Gherine and Kevin Penner; grandchildren, Gabriella Penner, Andrew and Taylor Penner, Sarah Penner, William Ponton, Brooke Ponton, Jaxton Ponton, and Emmit Ponton; and siblings, Elisa Vargas, Angel Vargas, and Mariana Chavez; and a host of Nieces and nephews. 

Imelda worked in different capacities over the years, demonstrating a remarkable dedication to her work and passion. She was a single mother that devoted her life to raising her children Jhamyre and Gherine. During her time in Sacramento, her jobs were where she met incredible people who became her lifelong friends. Her favorite job was as an administrative assistant to the attorneys of the State Franchise Tax Board. She enjoyed her workplace environment, felt respected and the attorneys always complimented her work ethic, leadership and especially her kindness. She easily earned the admiration of her colleagues and was always able to find the peculiar errors that sometimes helped solve some difficult cases. Her early retirement from this profession came from her untimely need for cornea transplant. Once she was healed her time was dedicated as a fulltime home caregiver, for her mother Juanita, following her passing, she continued her devotion to help care for her family, which included Clemencia Aguilar, Antonieta Acosta and German Acosta until her need for full hip transplant. Once fully retired, she spent time with her children and grandchildren living part-time in San Diego, Utah, and Los Angeles. 

Beyond the professional life, Imelda was also deeply committed to sewing, gardening, handcrafts and making others smile. 

Imelda was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; she loved going to the temple. It was a place of peace for her that she looked forward to. She loved serving and took opportunity to do so along with the sisters of the Relief Society. 

She enjoyed quilting blankets for less fortunate, putting together sanitary kits for shipment that are sent worldwide for emergency response related to disasters. She never liked to leave anyone out and looked for those who were alone or sad. She had the magic of making people feel good about themselves. Despite life's circumstances she always looked for bright side of things and left her worries for God to take care of. 

She will be remembered for her warmth, showed unconditional love towards others, words of wisdom that she imparted, and her sense of humor. 

Thank you for being with us today as we remember and celebrate Imelda Ponton's life. Your presence has brought us comfort. She will be incredibly missed but not forgotten