Marguerite Ponton

Rutland – Marguerite Ponton

Marguerite Ponton, 95, died Tuesday September 2, 2025 at Mountain View Center in Rutland.

She was born August 25, 1930 in Shrewsbury, VT the daughter of Ernest and Florise (Sanderson) Johnson.

Marguerite was a graduate of  Rutland High School and received her Master’s Degree from Castleton Teachers College. Marguerite then began her career as a beloved elementary school teacher. She taught at schools such as Vergennes, and Clarendon but the majority of her career was spent teaching at Wallingford Elementary School until she retired in 1998. Marguerite loved each and every one of her students. She was a favorite teacher of those who were lucky enough to have her.

Marguerite was an avid gardener. She loved knitting and crocheting. She could be found everyday with some kind of puzzle in her hands, whether it be a crossword puzzle, a sudoku, word search or even just sitting and enjoying putting together a jigsaw puzzle.

Marguerite not only taught in the classroom but also taught her 6 children who she had at home, which she shared with her forever love Maurice Ponton. They were married in 1954 and lived happily until Maurice's passing in 2021. Marguerite and Maurice shared 12 grandchildren which all loved to learn from Marguerite. She taught them everything from basic academics to how to paper mache.

Marguerite was a lifelong educator and was involved in many community organizations. Marguerite was a member of the Grange, the retired teachers association and the Shrewsbury historical society.

Marguerite loved to travel. She could be found every year in Florida enjoying the cold months of Vermont in the warmth of the sunshine state. She traveled often to Tennessee and Canada to visit family and friends. She traveled as a member of the Grange to attend conferences and State and National Grange sessions.

Survivors are her children, Debbie Bennick (James), of Shrewsbury, Maureen Duchesne (Bruce), of Wallingford, Michelle Farmer, of Rutland, Patty Epkey (John), of Greenwood, IN  and Karen Ponton, of Pittsford.

She was predeceased by her parents, her husband Maurice Ponton and by her son Douglas Ponton.

A public graveside service will be held on Tuesday September 9, 2025 at 11 A.M. in Northam Cemetery in Shrewsbury with the Rev. Richard Crawley Officiating.

Arrangements are under the direction of Clifford Funeral Home.