Phyllis Ann Ponack, 73 | Bonner County Daily Bee

Phyllis Ann Ponack, 73, went to be with her Lord and Savior on July 2, 2024.

Phyllis was born the eldest child of Kenneth and Laura Hegstad (Weinmann) on July 10, 1950 in Powers Lake, ND, and grew up on the family’s wheat farm. After high school, Phyllis moved to Germany. Upon returning to the United States, Phyllis moved to Sandpoint after visiting her parents who had moved west. In 1977, Phyllis met and married Mark Ponack. They were fortunate to live together for 40 years before he passed away.

Phyllis lived in Sandpoint for over 50 years, in the home her father built for her family. She loved her home as much as she loved her family and friends. She enjoyed the deer in her backyard, as long as they behaved and didn’t eat her garden and flowers. She even lured them with leftover vegetables and fruits. Phyllis will be remembered for her outgoing personality and for never meeting a stranger. She loved visiting or calling family and friends to catch up on the latest news.

Phyllis took pride in being a homemaker and providing for her family. This was always reflected in the fact that food was her love language. She credited her great baking to using good North Dakota flour. Phyllis loved teaching the younger generations how to make traditional family recipes such as grandma’s rolls and lefse. Phyllis also took pride in being an Avon sales representative and secretary at Farmin-Stidwell Elementary School.

Phyllis was welcomed home to heaven by her husband, Mark; parents Kenny and Laura; and baby brother James. Phyllis is remembered fondly by her son, Shayne Watterud (Andrea); grandsons Dillon Noonan, Wyatt Watterud, and Eli Watterud; sister Mary Matteson; brother Ken Hegstad (Shirley); nieces Stacey Ann Okland (Bryan Dupont), Karry Ann Stuppy (Steve); and nephews Steve Okland (Tina) and Scott Hegstad as a vibrant woman.

Family and friends are invited to sign Phyllis’ online guestbook at coffeltfuneral.com.

Arrangements are being handled by Coffelt Funeral Service.