ELSIE L. PONTO

Elsie L. Ponto, 99, of Theodosia, MO passed away on October 26, 2014 at the Gainesville Healthcare Center. Elsie was born March 29, 1915 to Peter and Clara Brandland in Pipestone, MN.

She married Alfred Ponto April 29, 1940 in Pipestone. She worked in defense in 1940 at the Bomber Plant in Omaha, NE as a riveter on the wings of B26 and B29 planes. She was a department manager and buyer for W.T. Grant Dept. Store in Omaha for 14 years, before moving to Missouri.

She and her husband purchased Noland Point Resort in 1958, they operated that resort for 17 years before retiring on Noland Point in Ocie, MO. She was area director for Missouri members for several years, later became president of the Missouri Bull Shoals Lake Association. She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Theodosia, member of Eastern Star in Theodosia Chapter 130 over 50 years. She was district deputy two times over for 23 years; president and held other offices in Beta Sigma Phi Sorority Chapter XI NU PI since 1989. Elsie enjoyed fishing and entertaining her guests, always trying to make them feel at home when they came to the resort.

She was preceded in death by her parents Peter and Clara Brandland; her husband Al Ponto; five brothers and two sisters. She is survived by several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, October 31, 2014 in the Theodosia United Methodist Church, Theodosia, MO with Gene West officiating. Burial will be in the Lutie Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday evening, October 30th from 5:30-7 p.m. at Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville, MO. Memorials may be made to: Theodosia United Methodist Church; Lutie Cemetery; or to the Eastern Star. Arrangements are by Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville, MO.