Phyllis A. Ponack

Phyllis Ann Ponack, 73, went to be with her Lord and Savior on July 02, 2024. Phyllis was born the eldest child of Kenneth and Laura Hegstad (Weinmann) on July 10, 1950, in Powers Lake, North Dakota and was raised on the family wheat farm. After high school, Phyllis moved to Germany. Upon returning to the States, Phyllis moved to Sandpoint after visiting her parents who had moved out west. In 1977, Phyllis met and married Mark Ponack. They were blessed with being able to build their life together for 40 years before his death. 

Phyllis made Sandpoint her home for over 50 years in the house her daddy built for her family. She adored her home as much as she did her family and friends. She enjoyed the deer in her backyard as long they minded their manners and didn’t munch on her garden and flowers. She would even entice them with produce scraps. Phyllis will be remembered for her outgoing personality and for never meeting a stranger. She loved visiting or chatting on the phone with family and friends to get the latest scuttlebutt.

Phyllis took pride in being a housewife and taking care of her family. This was always reflected in food being her love language. She credited using good North Dakota flour for her amazing baked goods. 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 Representative and a secretary at Farmin-Stidwell Elementary School. 

Phyllis was welcomed home to Heaven by her husband Mark, parents Kenny and Laura, and baby brother James. Lovingly remembering Phyllis as a vivacious woman are 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.