Katana Sue (Flanagan) Ponder, of Hammond, IL, went to be with her Lord and Savior on March 25, 2026.

She was born on January 18, 1949, the daughter of the late Mary Fern (Heit) Carlyle and William “Bill” Carlyle. On August 12, 1973, she married Harold Ponder in Arcola, IL. Harold preceded her in death on October 26, 2008, at the lake where they enjoyed spending time together.

She leaves behind three children: Jim Ponder (wife Jennifer) of Grayslake, IL; Kris Ponder Moore (husband Chip) of Hammond, IL; and Josh Ponder (wife Becky) of Hammond, IL. She was the proud grandmother of Alexandria, Gabrielle, Annelise, and Griffin, who could tell countless stories of their grandma’s mischief. She is also survived by her beloved sisters, Marcia Hackett and Ramona Carlyle; her aunt, Darlene Harshbarger; her nieces and nephews; three very special cousins, Crystal Willoughby, Alana Chapman, and Lisa Kibler; and her best friend, Edie Whitaker.

A graduate of Atwood Hammond High School and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Katana devoted her life to being a loving mother, a dedicated farm wife, and a physical education teacher at Atwood Hammond Grade School. As a basketball coach, she left a lasting mark on the lives of many young women. Former students and players still fondly remember her as one of their favorite coaches and teachers. She had a special gift for connecting with children.

Katana was rarely still. In her younger years, she could be found racing snowmobiles across the lakes of Wisconsin, swimming, waterskiing, walking, or biking miles each day. In her final years, she did endless laps around the nursing home hallways until her body could no longer keep up. She was a loyal fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and, in her final hours, spoke of attending a baseball game.

Faith was the foundation of her life. Katana was a longtime member of Hammond United Methodist Church and later the Highway Church of Christ in Sullivan. Her deepest desire was for as many people as possible to know the Lord she loved.

Those who knew her best will remember her for her honest opinions, her endless energy, and her unwavering faith. We will miss her dearly, but we rejoice in knowing she is home, whole, healthy, and likely organizing Heaven’s first dodgeball game.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 28, 2026 at the Hilligoss Shrader Funeral Home, 66 East US Highway 36, Atwood, IL. Burial will follow at the Hammond Cemetery.

Visitation will held 2 hours prior to the service on Saturday at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to the Atwood-Hammond Grade School.

Online condolences may be shared via hilligossshraderfh.com