Elizabeth Southard's Obituary
Nellie Elizabeth Southard, daughter of Eugene and Harriet “Hattie” Maguire Fortune, was born November 19, 1923, in St. Paul, Kansas. She departed this life Monday, July 17, 2006, in St. John’s Hospital, in Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of eighty-two years, seven months, and twenty-eight days. Early in her life she was united in marriage to Eugene O’Brien, and to this union three daughters and four sons were born. In June of 1989, she married Thomas A. Southard, and they shared the next several years before his passing. She also was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Bryant O’Brien; three brothers, Dick, Roger, and Buddy Fortune; and four sisters, Margaret Berry, Josephine Fleming, Mary Spikes, and Mildred Crandon. Elizabeth is survived by three sons, Don O’Brien, and his wife, Becky, of Shell Knob, Missouri, Paul O’Brien, of Springfield, Missouri, and Kelly O’Brien, and his wife, Danyeal, of Battlefield, Missouri; three daughters, Jeanette Adolf, of Omaha, Nebraska, Betty Goodson, and her husband, Stan, of Edmond, Oklahoma, and Colleen Guinn, and her husband, Billy, of Lebanon, Missouri; eleven grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; a sister, Harriet Rudisill, of Pittsburg, Kansas; several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends. She was born and raised in St. Paul, Kansas and graduated from St. Francis Catholic High School. After she and Eugene were married, they first made their home in Kansas before moving to Lebanon, Missouri in 1967. Throughout the years, Elizabeth was a devoted and loving homemaker to her family. Later in her life, she married Tom, and they made their home in Lebanon. Elizabeth was an active member of St. Francis DeSales Catholic Church in Lebanon, where she belonged to the Parish Council of Catholic Women. Her faith in God was a vital part of her life. She also was a member of the Over 40 Gang, Levis and Laces Square Dance Club, and the Kitchen Band at Hughes Senior Center. She enjoyed walking, growing beautiful flowers, and visiting with her friends at the senior center. Her family was very important to her and she especially enjoyed her grandchildren. Elizabeth was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate her life and her accomplishments and will cherish the wonderful memories she created for her family and friends. Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, July 20, 2006, in St. Francis DeSales Catholic Church. Burial will be in the Calvary (Catholic) Cemetery. Visitation will be held Wednesday evening from 7 - 8:00 p.m. under the direction of Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Lebanon, Missouri. Memorial contributions to the Hughes Senior Center may be made through the funeal home.
What’s your fondest memory of Elizabeth?
What’s a lesson you learned from Elizabeth?
Share a story where Elizabeth's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Elizabeth you’ll never forget.
How did Elizabeth make you smile?