Mary Ellen Pond, of Valley Springs, Arkansas, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, September 28, 2024 at the age of 92.

The daughter of James Alfred Funston and Opal Mary (Clay) Funston was born January 21, 1932 in Reydon, Oklahoma. Throughout her life, Mary lived in several states including Oklahoma, Texas, Oregon, Idaho, Arizona, and Arkansas.

She was a member of First Baptist Church Valley Springs. She was a retired truck driver. She worked a short time in a Tupperware factory, in addition to working several years as a hairdresser and switchboard operator.

Mary was a devout Christian. She loved the Lord and attending church when her health permitted. She was a lifetime member of Weight Watchers, and a former chapter director. Mary was very proud of her weight loss journey.

In her younger years through midlife, Mary was an avid water skier.  She excelled at slalom skiing, and she could ski for long distances, frequently going from Diamond City to the Bull Shoals Dam.

Mary loved her family, and she treasured spending time with them as well as visiting with her friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of over 60 years, Charles Pond; two brothers, Jim Funston and wife Gloria and Fred Funston; her sister, Rowena Mae Phelan and husband Ralph; and her son-in-law, Al Pierce.

Mary is survived by her son, Charles Clay Pond and wife, Dawn; two daughters, Wanda Mae Pond and Karon Ann Pierce; brother, Al Funston; sister-in-law, Diann Funston; six grandchildren, Jeremy Satterwhite, Stephanie Satterwhite, Charlie Pierce, John Pierce, Clayton Pond, and Jennifer Pond; eleven great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, extended relatives and many dear friends.

A celebration of Mary's life will be held at 10 AM, Friday, October 25 (2024) at Coffman Funeral Home Chapel in Harrison.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in her memory can be made to the American Cancer Society or First Baptist Church Valley Springs Building Fund, PO Box 97, Valley Springs, AR, 72682.

On-condolences can be left at www.coffmanfh.com.