Michael Anthony Ponce

Michael Ponce, a loving son, father and husband, was called by his Almighty Lord and Savior on Sunday, February 18, 2018. Michael was born to Joe and Pauline Ponce on Mother’s Day, May 14, 1978. The Viewing will be at Anderson-Bethany Funeral Home on Thursday, February 22, 2018, from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM and on Friday, February 23, 2018, from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM, followed by a Rosary at 6:00 PM. A Celebration Mass will be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 506 S. Lincoln, on Saturday, February 24, 2018, 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at South Park Cemetery. A Reception will be held following Interment at the Ave Maria Center, 401 E. Bland. Celebrate Michael’s life by visiting www.andersonbethany.com to offer a memory or expression of sympathy for his family. Michael was an extraordinarily good son, always kind, thoughtful and generous with sharing his time with his family and many, many friends. His family and many friends will grieve his sudden loss because all will miss his taking the time to be in contact with them or going out of his way to greet anyone he encountered. Michael truly never met a stranger. Throughout his life, he participated in many sports starting at Lion’s Hondo Little League Baseball in T-ball, minor, major and senior Connie Mack leagues under the watchful, coaching eye of his dad, Joe Ponce. He attended Roswell schools and was very active in football, track, and wrestling. He achieved a State medal. He had fond memories of his time and activities at Roswell High and so enjoyed being there. In his senior year, he was elected RHS Homecoming King. When it was time to graduate from RHS, he asked one of the secretaries, if he could re-enroll as a freshman and stay at RHS. She said she wished he could stay but he had to graduate from Roswell High School. He graduated and attended Eastern New Mexico University – Portales. Entering the workforce, Michael was employed by Coca-Cola, Sysco, and Standard Energy Services. He was the yard manager for Standard. While employed with Standard, he succumbed to a fatal head-on collision. Many of his supervisors and fellow co-worker have commented that he was such a loyal, hardworking, and dedicated worker. His children have said the following: Angelina expressed that her dad was not only her provider and protector; he was her heart and soul. He was the sunshine of her life; he meant the world to her and greatly impacted her life and the many lives he touched. He cared so deeply and wholeheartedly for everyone and was so very humble. Michael was the kindest, most generous man she had the pleasure to call dad. He will forever be missed but never forgotten. A new daughter, Jaedyn, expressed when Michael came into her life four years ago, she knew from that day her life would be completely changed in an amazing way. Michael blessed her with so many opportunities and also blessed her with two siblings, Angelina and Izaiah. He came into her life and took her in as his own and never treated her differently than his own blood. Michael had always been the guy to walk into a room and light it up with that smile we all knew and loved, Mr. Social Butterfly! She appreciates everything Michael had done and will continue to do from heaven not only for her but everyone else. She will forever and always miss and love him. Another new daughter, Aliyah, also expressed that Michael was an awesome man and caring dad. He cared for me, my sisters, and my baby brother. He was a man who made time for everyone and made sure everyone was ok. She was the luckiest girl in the world to spend those four years of her life with him. She loves him and misses him. Michael is survived by his parents: Joe and Pauline Ponce, wife, Melissa, “His Ruca”; children: Angelina, Jaedyn, Aliyah, Izaiah; brothers: Joseph and life partner Denise, John and wife, Jessica; in-laws: Robert and Ramona Dominguez; brother-in-law, Jason Dominguez and wife, Alisha; sister-in-law, Laurie Alvidrez and husband, Eddie Alvidrez; nephews: Michael, Ruben, Jordan, Josh, Izek; nieces: Alicia, Jessica, Kylei, Mackenzie, Ryann, Zoey, Devynee, Kylee. Additionally, survived by Uncle Felix Ponce, Tia Ester Ponce, Tia Terrie Ramirez, Uncle Fred Ramirez, Tia Lupe Ponce, Uncle Vernon Molinar, Tia Florinda Villa, Tio Reyes Villa, Tia Annie Sanchez, Uncle Jack Villa, Tia Gloria Meza, Tio Juan Meza, Tia Gloria Alvarado, Uncle Peter Alvarado, Uncle Jim Jimenez, Tia Mary Ann Jimenez; Uncle Bert Jimenez; Aunt Lou Anne Olmedo-Jimenez; Grandma Angelina Jimenez; and hundreds of family and friends. Preceding Michael in death were his grandparents: Francisco and Francisca Ponce, Paul Jimenez; Baby John Ponce; Uncle Art Jimenez, Tia Connie Conrad, Tia Carmen Garcia; Chris Garcia, and Priscilla McDonald. Honorary pallbearers are: Alice Vargas, Pete Tarin, Jaime Tarin, Ervey Cano, Zeke Cano, Gene Hornbeck, Pieter Bergstein, Antonio Nuñez, Tony Vásquez, Ismael Vásquez, John Lujan, David Peña, Vincent Otero, Trevor Sutton, Jason Montoya, Joseph Montoya, Ray Smith, Shane Rodriguez, Joaquin Serrano, Savino Sánchez, Jr, Gabe Estrada, Ernie Estrada, Manuel Guerrero, Luis Santillan, Lorenzo “House” Otero, Jose Vellez, Ramon Lara, Uncle Bert Jimenez, and Arturo Bolaños. Pallbearers will be: Michael Patrick Ponce, Peter Alvarado, Desiree Sanchez, Manuel Aragon, Jason Dominguez, Eddie Alvidrez, Jeremy Montoya, Sam Gamboa, Jesse Silva, Allen Holloway, Peter Pulaski and Paul Peyton. In honor of Michael, this tribute was lovingly written by his family.

Michael Anthony Ponce

May 14, 1978 - February 18, 2018