Jean Ilene Pontius passed away in Asheboro, North Carolina on March 29, 2017. She had recently celebrated her 90th birthday.

She was born in Huntertown, Indiana on March 19, 1927 to parents Morley Milner Malcolm and Edna Catherine Pulver Malcolm. She married Donald Warren Pontius in 1948, and lived for many years in Detroit, Michigan, where she raised her family.  In retirement, she enjoyed life in Melbourne, Florida. Most recently she had lived in central North Carolina.

She worked as a library technician in public and school libraries. She was active in volunteerism. She served many years with the League of Women Voters, also the United Nations Visitors Council. She was a founding member of the Space Coast Jazz Club. She was a strong believer in tolerance, diversity, and fairness. She participated in numerous Elderhostel experiences.  She was devoted to family, and was the inspiration and origin for many valued family traditions. She was involved in studying family history and genealogy, and was a lifetime member of the National Pontius Association. She enjoyed nature, birding, cats, and cars with "a little zip".  She was a friend to any and all things chocolate. She loved to stay current on news and politics. Jean loved to travel, learn about different cultures, and to return with delightful stories.  She was a member of the Methodist Church, later the Unitarian Universalist Church.

She is survived by daughter Sandra Kay Pontius of Ramseur, N.C., daughter Barbara Ann Pontius Little (Richard Little) of Valdese, N.C., son Ronald Lynn Pontius of Novi, Michigan. Surviving are two grandchildren, Kelly Nicole Masterson Skelton (Peter Skelton), of Apex, N.C., and Matthew James Masterson of Bakersville, N.C.  Three great grandchildren also survive; Miriam Rose Skelton, Trevor Michael Skelton, and Harrison James Skelton, of Apex, N.C.

Burial will take place in Huntertown Indiana.

She was preceded in death by husband Donald Pontius, parents Morley and Edna Malcolm, and seven brothers and sisters.

The family extends gratitude and love to the staff at Clapp's Nursing Center, and to Hospice of Randolph County.  They provided loving and compassionate care to Jean at the end of her life.

Arrangements by Loflin Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Ramseur.

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