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Keith's obituary

Keith Albert Ponsford passed away on December 16, 2025, in Boulder, Colorado, at the age of 89. Keith was born in Grand Junction, CO, on May 22, 1936, to Harry and Edith (Hadden) Ponsford. In 1944, the family moved to Montrose, Colorado, where Keith attended Montrose High School and served as the quarterback for the football team. He went on to attend Western State College in Gunnison before earning a Master’s Degree in Mathematics from the University of Oregon.

In 1956, Keith married Joanne Darleen Topliss in Montrose, and together they had five children. In 1968, he moved to Boulder and began a long and dedicated career with the Mapleton Public School District, where he taught until his retirement in 1991. Keith later married Irene Bischoff in 1992. The two traveled extensively together, including two cherished trips to Europe.

An active man with a variety of interests, Keith enjoyed bowling, golfing, and meticulously working in his yard. He was a devoted fan of local professional and college sports, often cheering on his favorite teams alongside his family. Following his retirement, Keith remained active in a local recreation center swim group, where he led classes and shared his love of the water by teaching young children how to swim. He was a member of Mount Hope Lutheran Church in Boulder, where he regularly attended services and events. He was also a lover of orchestral music, with a particular fondness for Lawrence Welk and André Rieu. Above all, Keith took great joy in hosting holiday celebrations and special events, creating lasting memories for his family and friends.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Edith; his sisters, Yvonne and Shirley; his wife, Irene; and his son, Brett (Natalie) Ponsford. He is survived by his sons, Clint Ponsford of Boulder, CO, Greg (Melanie) Ponsford of Surprise, AZ, and Tyson (Germaine) Ponsford of Boulder, CO; his daughter, Shauna (Jim) Taylor of Phoenix, AZ; his stepdaughter, Renee (Richard) Sullivan of Wake Forest, NC; and his stepson, Paul "Ernie" Bischoff of Detroit Lakes, MN. He also leaves behind numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

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Mr. Keith "Lefty" Ponsford