Julian Salas Ponce

Our Father, Julian S. Ponce was born on January 7th, 1939 in Zacatecas, Mexico to Victorio Ponce and Luisa Salas. He then moved to Michigan where he lived for approximately 7 years before establishing residency in Woodlake, California. Since December of 1977, he served as a Deacon of the Catholic Church for St. Thomas in Goshen and San Felipe de Jesus in Ivanhoe, St. Frances Cabrini in Woodlake, Farmersville Church of God, as well as, Holy Family Church in Visalia. He was ordained on September 8th 1995 by the Diocese of Fresno as Rev. Mr. Julian Ponce. He served his passion for over 47 years performing numerous Weddings, Baptisms, Quinceaneras, Funerals, and countless hours teaching Baptismal and Confirmation classes, prayer groups, home and hospital visits. Our Dad has impacted and inspired so many in his lifetime. It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved father, Julian S. Ponce, who departed from this world on December 22, 2024 at age 85. He was surrounded by his loving family and friends in his final moments. We will always remember he was a pillar of strength and a beacon of love. He was a man of immense humor, kindness and forgiveness. He cherished every moment shared with his loved ones. Rev. Mr. Julian Ponce is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Maria Amparo de Ponce, 7 Daughters Anna Gonzalez, Beatriz Ponce, Rosie Roque, Martha (Marti) Fleming, Angie Lopez, Irma Poulin and Gloria Ponce and his 3 Sons Efrain, David and Angel Ponce. He also delighted in his 25 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, 5 Son In-Laws and 2 Daughter In-Laws. Our Father rejoiced most when we came together for family gatherings and special occasions. He wanted to ensure that we remained a close family even after his passing, so this we will continue to do. Visitation will be held 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM Thursday, January 16th, 2025 at Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel, 127 E. Caldwell Ave., Visalia. Rosary will follow from 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial services will be held 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Friday, January 17th, 2025 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 608 N. Church Street, Visalia. Graveside services will be held 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Friday, January 17th, 2025 at Woodlake Public Cemetery, 165 N Cypress St, Woodlake. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Julian Salas Ponce

January 7, 1939 - December 22, 2024