LaVerne Poninski

LaVerne J. Poninski, 89 of Centralia, passed away Monday, June 13, 2016 at her home.She was born April 4, 1927 in St. Louis, Missouri, daughter of Braxton Branam and Lillian (Lammert) Branam. She married Thomas Poninski on December 20, 1943 in St. Louis, Missouri and he preceded her in death on November 1, 1971.LaVerne is survived by five daughters and one son: Cathy Stuehmeier and husband John of Centralia, Terrell Forth of Centralia, Toni Gray of Centralia, Connie Poninski of Centralia, Marsha DePew and husband Mark of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Paul Poninski and wife Linda of Walnut Hill, Illinois; nine grandchildren: Lisa Brink, Sheliah Forth, Aaron Wilson, Andy Wilson, Zachary DePew, Thomas Gray, Jr., Bryan Poninski, Lindsay Poninski, and Scott Uhls; 12 great-grandchildren: Brandon Creps, Blake Wilson, Josh Wilson, Mikayla Wilson, Cameron Wilson, Stephen Wilson, Brighton Wilson, Emerson DePew, Patience DePew, Natalie Poninski, Kierston Uhls, and Hailey Uhls.She was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, husband, a brother, Henry Branam, and an infant granddaughter: Samantha Lee Forth.LaVerne was employed by Illinois Bell Company for 28 years as a Telephone Operator and she retired on March 28 1983. She also was employed by the Department of Children and Family Services. LaVerne fostered children also, to help them during a time they needed a home. She was also employed at Good Samaritan Hospital as the Dietary Supervisor. LaVerne continued her education in early childhood and obtained her degree. In 1982 she opened and became the Director of "TOT-N-TYKES", which was a day care and pre-school.She attended First United Presbyterian Church in Centralia. She was a member of the church choir, a Sunday School Teacher, active in directing the children plays, and was an Elder in the church. LaVerne enjoyed cooking, traveling, her many pets, ongoing education and family. She had an enthusiasm for life and demonstrated this in many facets of her life.Funeral Services for LaVerne Poninski will be held Saturday, June 18, 2016 at 11:00 AM at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia with Pastor Tim Mondy officiating. She will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery in Centralia. Visitation will be held Friday, June 17, 2016 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Centralia Humane Society and will be accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia, which is assisting the Poninski Family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com