Thelma ‘Pona’ Anderson

Thelma ‘Pona’ Anderson, a member of the Tule River Reservation, passed away peacefully at her home among her loved ones on Wednesday, September 20, 2017. Born on October 4, 1951 to Damon and Betty Anderson, she was the oldest sister of 11 siblings.

She graduated from Sherman High School in 1970. Pona lived in Oklahoma for a number of years where she worked as a dental assistant. Upon returning home, she worked for the Tule River Indian Health Center in the Contract Health Service Department, the Tule River Housing Department, and the Tule River Tribal Council.

As she was growing up, Pona loved to play fastpitch softball and spend time with her very large family. She enjoyed listening to country music and reading. After becoming a grandmother, she was extremely happy watching her grandchildren play sports. She is preceded in death by her parents; Sisters Avis, Juanita, and Amy Anderson; Brothers Vincent, Timothy, and Danny Anderson.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory, her beloved daughters: Angela Morgan-forner (husband Scott) and Pona Alviso; beloved sons: George Alviso and Frank ‘Bucko’ Alviso; Sisters: Barbara Andersonpeyron, Eleanor Arias, Katherine Anderson and Delia Gamez of the Tule River Reservation; her 13 grandchildren: Alyssa, Alex, Daniel, Anndara, Serina, Isaiah, Frankie, Fallon, Giovanni, Rance, Jacob, Addison and Brentley. And 2 great grandchildren Moises and Kai; a host of loving nieces and nephews, relatives and friends.

A viewing will be held on Friday, September 29 from 5p.m . to 6 p.m. with a rosary beginning at 6p.m. at the Mater Delarosa Church on the Tule River Reservation. A mass will be held on Saturday, September 30th at 10 a.m. at the Mater Delarosa Catholic Church followed by interment at the Lower Cemetary.