"Dear Rose and family: My heart goes out to all of you with the loss of Ponce. I knew Ponce for many of his years with PEMCO. He was an asset to the company and a joy to all who worked with him, or were served by him as their agent. He brought great joy and laughter to all of us who worked with him. While his company and customers were important to him, you, his family were the most important people in his life. We will all miss him. Diane Beckley"
In loving memory of
Ponce Ancheta
April 27, 1944 - August 12, 2016
Ponce passed away peacefully at home on Friday morning, August 12, 2016, with his loving family by his side and the Perseid meteor shower filling the sky. As his son Bryce so eloquently said, "Tonight, it was God's fireworks show to celebrate Ponce's grand entrance into heaven."
Ponce was preceded in death by his parents, Ann and Henry, and his son Cameron Jay Ancheta. He is survived by his wife, Rose; his daughter Jeannette (Chris) Anderson; son Bryce Ancheta; grandsons Devin Mackie and Jacob Anderson; granddaughter Lauren Ancheta; sister Charlene (Ron) Karjala; brothers Rod (Beth) Ancheta and Rick (Carolyn) Ancheta; and many nieces and nephews who adored their Uncle Ponce.
Ponce was born in Seattle and raised in the Auburn valley with his brothers, sister, and friends. Upon graduating from Auburn High School, Ponce served two years in the US Army. After serving, he returned and became an insurance agent for PEMCO, and his business flourished for the next 40 years. He retired in 2014. Many people from PEMCO became life-long friends. He also formed close relationships with a number of his clients; several visited him in his final weeks. Ponce's love of people made this a perfect career choice.
Fishing, gardening, and hosting Seahawks parties were some of Ponce's passions. His greatest passion and love, however, were for his family and the many adventures they shared. Whether it was a fishing trip, a wine-tasting excursion or vacations to Hawaii, Leavenworth, or Las Vegas, Ponce most loved these times together with family. He and Rose, the love of his life, were inseparable. They were incredible hosts. Anyone was wel-come to drop in and share food, drink and many, many laughs. Ponce had a great sense of humor and anyone who knew him loved him. Ponce's legacy is that family and friends are better people for having known him. We can all honor him by being a little kinder and more loving in the days ahead.
Funeral Services will be held at St. Luke's Lutheran Church, 515 S 312th St. in Federal Way on Saturday August 27th at 10:00am.
Donations in lieu of flowers may be sent to either Kline Galland Hospice (http://bit.ly/KlineGallandHospice) OR Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, P.O. Box 19023, Seattle WA 98109-1023. Checks may be made payable to SCCA with indication that they are in memory of Ponce Ancheta. Or call (206) 288-2070 make a donation by phone.
Please leave online condolences at http://bit.ly/PonceAncheta
Tributes
"I knew Ponce through my work at PEMCO. Ponce always had time to pause his activities and share a laugh and a kind word. Great memories! I can laugh and cry at the same time as I recall memories of Ponce I will always consider it a special blessing to have him as a great friend. God bless Ponce and his family. Pat McGrann"
"Ponce was a co-worker at PEMCO and I will always remember his cheerful smile and willingness to help when questions came up. I know that I've been blessed to have been one who's life he touched."
"The Ancheta family goes back a long, long way. . . should I dare say the late 40's or early 50's. We were neighbors, went to school together, and played with the neighborhood kids. I remember going to their place to decorate their Christmas tree. The boys were not interested and I think Charlene was busy with a boy friend or football game!! Ann was like a second mother to me. Ponce was just enough younger to be a pain in the neck but we all adored him. He will be missed and remembered. Audrey (Schulte) Cruickshank"
"Dear Rose and the Ancheta Family,
I was so sad to hear of Ponce's passing. I worked with him as his last underwriter at PEMCO before he retired. Ponce was always so kind and cheerful, and we had great conversations. I am so sorry for your loss. I know Ponce and his spirit will be forever in your hearts. In Sympathy, Heather "
"I am so sorry to hear about Ponce. I worked with him at Pemco & he was always so nice & a lot of fun. My thoughts & prayers are with the family. Matthew 5:4."
"To Rose, Bryce and family,
We were so sorry to hear about Ponce's passing. Thank you for your kindness over the years to our son Toby. Ponce was a good man. We will miss him.
"
"To Rose and family: I am so sorry for your loss. In my experience Ponce has always been the leader in our neighborhood -- of social events, of getting things accomplished (our locking mailboxes, etc.) He has been a respected, helpful and fantastic neighbor for many years. I well remember the morning I flagged him down from his walk to get 12 struggling little ducklings our of my swimming pool, which he quickly and happily accomplished. He will be greatly missed."
"Rose my thoughts & prayers are with you & your family at loss of Ponce. He was a great man & I enjoyed the years that I worked with him at Pemco. RIP Ponce. Jack Zyph"
"Dear Rose, I was very saddened to hear about Ponce passing away. He was such a wonderful coach and father-figure. Even though I rarely got to see him since having moved away, he will be dearly missed. Merci"
"Dear Rose, Jeanette and Bryce,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I will always remember Ponce's caring and kind personality. Growing up, it was such a privilege having him as a neighbor. He leaves behind a wonderful family.
Love, Sylvia Hay and family"