Virginia Campbell Ponder, age 96 of Hammond, Illinois, passed away October 24, 2014. There was a private graveside service at the Hammond Cemetery with Rev. Linda Peyla officiating. Hilligoss Shrader Funeral Home, Atwood, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Mrs. Ponder was born March 16, 1918, the daughter of Ralph M. and Jessie Artemesia Freeman Campbell of Champaign. Virginia was a great granddaughter of early Urbana pioneers, Simeon and Artemesia Busey, whose home and surrounding land were donated in 1920 to the organization that became Carle Hospital.

She was united in marriage with her beloved husband of almost 70 years, Joseph W. Ponder, on October 31, 1941, in the home of her parents. As a World War II bride, she lived near Camp Davis, North Carolina and later in Bakersfield, California, returning to Champaign when the army deployed her husband to Hawaii in 1942 and to Saipan in 1944. Joseph preceded her in death on October 8, 2010.

Survivors include her son, Gregg Campbell Ponder and wife Ali of Hammond, Illinois; daughter, Sharon Jo Ponder Holbrook and husband W. Dennis of Virginia Beach, Virginia; sister-in-law, Katana Ponder of Hammond, Illinois; cousin, Jon Ponder and wife Jacque of Littleton, Colorado; granddaughter Elizabeth Holbrook Fox and husband Tim of Woodbridge, California; grandson, Robert D. Holbrook of Jackson, Wyoming; grandson, Paul Ponder and Cindy Kitchen of Champaign, Illinois; great granddaughters, Tessa Virginia and Emelia Katherine Fox; and many wonderful nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sister, Alice Campbell Fisher of West Lafayette, Indiana.

Mrs. Ponder graduated from Champaign High School in 1935. While attending CHS, Virginia was a member of the Advanced Typing Team, played in the first girls' tennis tournament ever held at the school, and was Student Council President during her senior year.

Four years later, Virginia graduated from the University of Illinois, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences with Honors in Sociology. While at the U of I, she became a charter member of Psi Chi, the National Honorary Society in Psychology. In addition, Virginia was a member of Alpha Chi Omega social sorority, as were 28 other descendants of the pioneer Busey family. Following graduation, she was employed in the Department of Forestry at the University of Illinois.

Mrs. Ponder was a devoted wife, mother and homemaker, who was beloved by her family for her fond encouragement, listening ear, sense of humor, ability to see both sides of the story, and her love of sports. For example, as a child she was an acrobatic dancer. Later, she enjoyed playing tennis with friends, and often could be found on the golf course with her father.

Virginia served as a Cub Scout leader in Hammond, and her creative writing skills earned her awards in numerous contests. She was a life Member of the University of Illinois Alumni Association and a member of the Republican Women's Club. Memorials are suggested to: Village of Hammond, c/o The First State Bank, 200 S. Don Ryan St., Hammond, Illinois 61929.