Bella Pone

Bella was born in St. Louis, MO, the daughter of Louis and Ida Berese. After high school and several years working, Bella joined the Women's Army Corps (WACs), where she proudly served her country in WWII from 1943-45. While stationed in California and Hawaii, she attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Before entering the WACs, she met Lester Pone at an OKC Jr. Hadassah convention. Lester joined the Navy and throughout their tours of duty, they managed to meet during furloughs, continuing their ongoing romance. After their respective discharges from the WACs and Navy, they married in St. Louis on Jan. 27, 1946.

After they wed, Bella and Lester lived a short while in OKC before moving to Meridian, MS for Lester's job with Kaybee Corp. In 1952, they moved back to OKC where they became life-long residents. They became members of Emanuel Synagogue and were actively involved in all aspects of the Congregation, where Bella served as Secretary, Treasurer, Vice-President, and President of the Emanuel Sisterhood.

Due to the untimely death of Lester at age 52 in 1968, Bella found herself the sole supporter of her two youngest children. She began work for the OK Dept of Rehab Services, becoming the Exec Secretary to the Director of the Dept, and retiring in 1981.

Bella lived with the determination to be independent and fully engaged in life to the best of her abilities. She loved and devoted her life to raising her children and participating in all aspects of her Synagogue. Bella lived in her own apartment until 2006, when she moved to the Tulsa Jewish Retirement Center, and then returned to OKC in Jan 2010 in order to be closer to family, living at St Ann's Nursing Home.

Bella was predeceased by her husband Lester, her parents Louis and Ida, and siblings Alice, Libby and Joe. She is survived by her children Ianne and husband Bob Koppel, of Hilton Head, SC; Michael and partner Joe Freeman of OKC; and Dan and partner Lori Jacinth, of Sacramento, California; her grandchildren David (Penny) Koppel and Leslie (Phil) Chaffer, both of Atlanta, GA; Max Pone, of Sacramento, CA; and great-grandchildren Sam, Jason and Dylan Koppel, and Alyssa and Julia Chaffer, all of Atlanta, GA.

Bella loved to be with people, take part in everything she could, and above all, be of help to others. We will lovingly remember her kindness, gentle manner, and great enduring love for those dearest to her - her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, December 19, 2010 at 2:00 pm, at Emanuel Synagogue. Interment will follow at Emanuel Hebrew Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Emanuel Synagogue, 900 NW 47th, Oklahoma City, OK 73118. (405) 528-2113.