Barbara M Pontious

Barbara M. Pontious, 88, of Grand Island passed away Saturday, March 9, 2024, at CHI St. Francis Medical Center. Funeral service will be 10:00 AM Thursday, March 14, 2024, at Third City Christian Church with Pastor Josh Sikes officiating. Burial will follow at Grand Island City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7 PM Wednesday at Apfel Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation. Online condolences may be directed to www.apfelfuneralhome.com.

Barbara was born on February 12, 1936, in Grand Island, NE, to William and Eula (Peters) Haddix. She graduated from Onamia High School, Onamia, MN. She moved back to Grand Island in 1954 and met Donald.

On October 8, 1955, Barbara married Donald Pontious. The couple lived in Grand Island where she worked as a librarian and teachers’ aide at Shoemaker Elementary School for 24 years. She was able to be librarian for both of her grandchildren. She spent many hours reading to them until her voice would go out.

Barbara’s hands were never still. She crocheted thousands of hats and scarves for needy children, families on Indian reservations, and in Mexico. She will always be remembered her as a great wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend who always served others first.

Survivors include daughter, Diane (Mark) Means of Grand Island; grandsons: Justice (Megan) Means of Grand Island and Sheldon Means of Ogden, UT; great grandson, Julian Means of Grand Island; and sister-in-law, Ginny Haddix of Beatrice, NE

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Donald; son, Michael Pontious;  granddaughter, Jesreal Means; and brother, Richard Haddix.