Anne Ponder Rauton

Anne Lucille Ponder “Mama Anne” Rauton

Anne Lucille Ponder Rauton, widow of the late Robert Marion Rauton passed away peacefully at her home on July 25, 2024 at the age of 86. 

Born October 3, 1937, in Greenville, SC she was the daughter of the late Victoria Crim Ponder and the late Finley Bertran (Bert) Ponder. Anne’s dad was a Highway Patrolman, so she lived in Greenville, Sumter, and Hartsville during her early years. Then her dad was called to serve in the army during the war. Her mother decided to move back home to be near family, so Anne had the opportunity to grow up in Johnston, SC. She attended the elementary, middle, and high school there (one building). In 1955, she graduated Valedictorian of her class. Because of family and excellent teachers, she was able to attend Winthrop College (University) in Rock Hill, SC. She graduated with a degree in Elementary Education in 1959. Anne and Bob married August 9, 1959 and made Clemson their home. 

She furthered her education at Clemson University where she earned a Master of Education Degree in 1974. In 1986, she received an Education Specialist degree in Administration and Supervision at Clemson University. As an educator, Anne was given the opportunity to touch many lives along the way. Her first job, after college, was at Liberty Elementary in Pickens County teaching Fourth Grade. Then she taught Third Grade at Calhoun-Clemson. After the school burned, Morrison Elementary was built. Anne taught Third Grade there until she was appointed Assistant Principal. Her last sixteen years were at Central Elementary as their Principal. Anne loved teaching and her students. She met so many caring people during her career and life, making wonderful memories and friends along the way. In all, she retired with forty years of service in Pickens County. It was so rewarding for her to see her students in later years and learn of their accomplishments they had made in life. 

Anne was a former member of The First Baptist Church in Johnston, SC and Anne attended The First Baptist Church of Pendleton, SC. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, Alpha Psi Chapter, for years and served as president for a term. She was a member of the Clemson University Women’s Club, and she enjoyed playing bridge with her friends, working in her yard, gardening, cooking, traveling, and being with her family as mush as possible. Also, she was an IPTAY member for years and loved her Tigers. She started attending the football games in 1959, where many awesome memories were made. During the late seventies, Anne was known for her delicious peaches from the Rauton Farm in Ridge Spring, SC. Also, she enjoyed shagging, going to the beach, and having fun with family and friends. Anne will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, principal, and friend. She will also be remembered for her delicious pound cakes, fruitcake cookies, and pimento cheese.

She is survived by a son, Bobby (Leisa) of Six Mile, and a daughter Victoria (Dave) of Easley. Her grandchildren, Christina Rauton Morris (Tony), Leanna Rauton, Robert Allen, and Courtney Allen. Great Grands, Gregory Thomas, Savannah Morris, and Landon Morris. Brother, Jim Ponder, Sister-in-law, Mary Alice Strickland, and many other nieces, nephews, and cousins.

As a family we want to express our deepest gratitude for the excellent care she received by Hospice of the Upstate and Eness Little.

A Graveside Service will be held Saturday, August 3, 2024 at 2pm, Memory Gardens, Central, SC

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the First Baptist Church of Pendleton P.O. Box 187 Pendleton, SC 29670 or to one’s choice.

Visit RobinsonFuneralHomes.com or Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home & Cremations, 108 Cross Creek Road, Central-Clemson Commons, Central, SC 29630.