- Date Of Birth: July 16, 1936
- Date Of Death: January 15, 2021
- State: Illinois
Ruben C. Ponce, 84, of Galesburg, died peacefully at his son’s home at 2:32 p.m. Friday, January 15, 2021. Ruben was born July 16, 1936, in Galesburg, the son of Leonso and Delores (Delgado) Ponce.
He married Virginia M. Lozano on September 6, 1958, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Galesburg.
Virginia preceded him in death on August 27, 2007. Ruben is survived by one son, Pierre (Shelley) Ponce of Altona; one daughter, Bridgette Teel of Galesburg; six grandchildren, Brandy (Tony Hill) Ponce, Jamie Ponce, Nicole (Roy Little) Ponce, Samantha (Adam) Doubet, Jacob Teel, and Danielle Teel; as well as 9 great-grandchildren.
He is also survived by one brother Robert Lee Ponce and one sister, Jovita (Jesse) Perez, both of Galesburg; extended family, Teresa Ring, Richard Norton, Kathy Simpkins, and her daughter, Melanie Voss; and a special friend, Beth Herrin. Along with his wife Virginia, Ruben was preceded in death by his parents; and his step-mother, Mary Ponce. Ruben worked at Alton Box for 44 years, retiring on July 16, 2001. He was a faithful and active member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, serving as an usher and a member of the Third Order of the Lay Carmelites. Ruben proudly served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict from 1955 to 1957. Ruben’s family was the joy of his life, he especially loved to be with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a simple man who enjoyed visiting with family and friends and never met a stranger.
