Annabelle Ellingworth Ponsor, 81, Chula Vista, CA, died Saturday, April 3, 2010, at her residence.
Annabelle's grandfather, Peter, came to America from Norway in 1873 at the age of 24. Her grandmother, Anna, also from Norway, came to America in 1861 at the age of 7. In 1879 they were married and then moved to Gary, Minnesota in 1881. Peter and Anna had six children one of which was Olga, Annabelle's mother. In 1911 Olga married Bennie and had four children, Palmer, Palma, Burton and Annabelle.
Annabelle was born on February 21, 1929, on the farm outside Gary, Minnesota. Her parents were Bennie and Olga (Eidum) Thronson. Annabelle would talk about her chores, the hard work and how much she loved to ride horse back with her brother Burton. She did not feel the farm life was for her and wanted to do something different. She worked many different jobs including retail and even being a short order cook. She got a job as an egg checker at the Ada Land O' Lakes Dairy and that is where she met Orville, a returning World War II Veteran. They were married in 1946 and lived in Ada, Minnesota. They had two children, Orville Jr. and Roxanne. Orville Sr. owned a gas station in Ada and sometimes Annabelle would work as a sugar beet picker. They moved to Chula Vista, California in 1957, when Orville, Sr. was hired by Rohr Aircraft Corporation. Annabelle was a stay at home Mom while her children were young and then she started a part time job at Cornets Five and Dime Store in Chula Vista. She finished her education to receive her high school diploma and became the manager of the store. In 1970 Orville, Sr. suddenly passed away. Annabelle was only 42 years old. Cornet's company closed her store and she was hired at the Bank of America as a teller at the outside walk up window. She married Ray Ponsor in 1979. Ray was widowed and had three children, Jennie, Jeff and Sona. Ray and Annabelle retired from their jobs and had over 20 years of retirement fun. They laughed, traveled and shared many great moments. After Ray's passing Annabelle became very lonely.
Annabelle is survived by her son, Orville Jr. (Cynthia) of Hemet, CA., and daughter, Roxanne (Roger) Burroughs, of Chula Vista, CA, step children, Jennie Rindone, Sona (Ron) Lutsko, both of Chula Vista, CA, one sister, Palma Gunnufson, Gary, MN, ten grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, Orville Ellingworth Sr. and Ray Ponsor, step son, Jeff Ponsor, two brothers, Palmer Thronson and Burton Thronson.

Graveside Service: 3:00 PM, Wednesday, April 14, 2010, at Ada, MN, City Cemetery.

Arrangements with Fredrikson Funeral Home
Ada, Minnesota (218-784-4600)

www.fredriksonfh.com