Blanche Irene Ponce

Blanche Irene Ponce was born August 24, 1918 in Pea Ridge, Arkansas. She was the daughter of Edward Monroe and Nellie (Warren) Mitchell. Blanche was raised and received her early childhood education in the Pea Ridge area. She later moved with her family to Cleveland, Oklahoma where she attended Cleveland schools.

Upon completion of her education, Blanche began working at Bishop's Restaurant in Tulsa for many years. While employed there, she met Joe Ponce who was stationed at Fort Sill while serving in World War II.

Joe and Blanche where married and moved to Key West, Florida where they established their home in 1942 Blanche owned an operated a beauty shop in Key West for many years and also operated a restaurant with her husband. After the death of her husband and due to her own failing health, Blanche moved to Cleveland to be near her sister, Iva Cox.

Blanche was a fun loving person that loved living in Florida. She often spoke of her memories of the beauty and excitement of residing in Key West. She was a member of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority in Key West and spent countless hours entertaining and going to functions. Although she never had children, she considered her nephew, Harold Cox as her only son.

Blanche passed away on Friday, July 26, 2002 at the Cushing Regional Hospital at the age of eighty three years, eleven months and two days. She had resided at the Drumright Nursing Home with her sister for the previous eight months.

Blanche is survived by her sister, Iva Marie Cox, Cleveland, OK; nephew, Harold Cox, Cleveland, Oklahoma; and two great nieces, Stacy Weldon, Cleveland, Oklahoma and Leigh Ann Smith of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. In addition to her husband, Blanche was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Hurley Mitchell, Rudolph Warren and Bryant Mitchell.

Funeral services were held at 10:00 am, Tuesday, July 30, 2002 at the Chapel of the Chapman-Black Funeral Home. Burial was at the Woodland Cemetery under the direction of the Chapman-Black Funeral Home.

Visit and online obituary and guestbook for Blanche Ponce at www.chapman-black.com.''