Obituary of Reta A. Pond

Reta A. Pond, 90, of Knoxville, PA, passed away at her home on Saturday, April 3, 2021 surrounded by loving family. Born in Austinburg, PA on November 18, 1930, Reta was the daughter of the late Kenneth J. and Helen I. (Payne) Sawyer. She attended Troupsburg Central School. On December 9, 1948, she married Milford L “Pondy” Pond in Austinburg. He preceded her in death on August 20, 2011. Reta worked in the floral business all of her adult life. She was employed for many years at Buffard’s Greenhouse in Knoxville. She left there in 1978 and created her own business in Knoxville known as Reta’s Gifts and Plants. She operated the shop until her retirement in 2000. She and Pondy operated the restaurant at Riverside Country Club for a time. She also provided event catering for several years. Reta was a 50 year member of the Knoxville VFW Auxiliary, life member of the Knoxville-Deerfield Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary and a devoted member of the Yoked Churches of Knoxville. She was a second Mom to many people in Knoxville. Reta is survived by her daughter and son in law, Tina and Henry Dawley of Smethport, PA, her son and daughter in law, Martin and Amy Pond of Savona, 13 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, 5 great great grandchildren, her sisters, Jean Doan of Osceola, Kay Kelts (Jim) of Knoxville and Paula (Carl) LeBarron of Troupsburg, her brothers, Neil Sawyer of Wayland and Larry (Sherry) Sawyer of San Angelo, TX along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides Pondy, Reta was preceded in death by her sons, Ronald Pond, Bruce Pond and Michael Pond, her daughter, Vickie Lehman, great granddaughter, Angel and brothers, Donald Sawyer, Gary Sawyer, Robert Sawyer and Richard Sawyer. Friends may call on Wednesday, April 7 from 11 am to 1 pm at the Yoked Churches of Knoxville at 110 Alba St. Knoxville. Funeral services will follow there at 1 pm with Pastor Cathy Dawes officiating. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery, Knoxville. Arrangements are with the H.P. Smith & Son Funeral Home in Woodhull.