Thelma F. Ponko

A loving mother, sister, and dear friend to many, Thelma F. Ponko, 78, of Nanticoke, passed away Sunday afternoon, December 28, 2025, at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Wilkes Barre with her family by her side.

Born October 29, 1947 in Ray, Ohio, she was a daughter of the late Harley Earl and Hazel Opal Waldron Dozer.

After marriage in 1968, Thelma moved to Pennsylvania and spent the rest of her life residing in Nanticoke where she raised her family and cultivated numerous friendships over the years. Thelma was an active member of the Askam United Methodist Church community.

Thelma worked in food service most of her life at a variety of establishments including Curry Donuts, The Spinning Wheel, the Nanticoke State Hospital, and Saint Luke's Hospital prior to her retirement. Thelma was known for her amazing talents in the kitchen. Whether it be a large holiday meal, or baking all the holiday sweets, anyone who knew her, loved her and her cooking and baking skills.

Thelma was a friend to all. Kind, gentle and generous who loved to watch the Phillies and Penn State with friends. In her earlier days, Thelma and her family spent long summers camping, fishing, and making memories at Hidden Lake in Shickshinny.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John Ponko Sr., on October 23, 1999; seven of her siblings, Charles, Madge, Ruth, Grace, Clarence, Clem, and Edward.

She is survived by daughters, Tyra Sorber, Harvey’s Lake and Ame Golaszewski, Port Matilda; a son, John Ponko Jr., Hanover Township, 6 grandchildren, Christina, Elizabeth, Anabelle, Madison, Macey and Jack; 3 great grandchildren, Roxanne, Olivia and Emma; sister, Edna Ethel Karst; numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, January 4, 2026 at 4 p.m. from Dinelli Family Funeral Home 170 East Broad Street, Nanticoke, with Rev. Craig Mark, Pastor of Askam United Methodist Church, officiating.

Viewing and visitation hours will be Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. at the funeral home.

Interment will be at a later date in Benscoter Cemetery, Muhlenburg.