Edna M. Southard

Edna M. Southard, 94, of New Baden, passed away on Friday, May 1, 2026, at Bria of Columbia. She was born on January 11, 1932, in West Frankfort, Illinois, the daughter of John and Lida, nee Ozee, Fletcher. She married Henry O. Southard, Jr. in Piggott, Arkansas in 1949 and he preceded her in death on October 8, 1977.

Edna’s journey began in the small town of West Frankfort, IL, where she grew up and nurtured the values that would guide her lifelong role as a homemaker. Her commitment to her family was evident in the love and support she provided to those closest to her. Throughout her life, she imbued her home with warmth, kindness, and steadfast care, embodying the essence of devotion and perseverance.

She leaves behind a loving family who will carry forward her memory with deep respect and affection. Edna is survived by her four children: Ralph (Dixie) Southard of Vevay, Indiana; Pamela Latham of Morganfield, Kentucky; Leslie (Greg) Sweet of New Baden, Illinois; and Richard (Deborah) Southard of Columbia, Illinois. Her legacy also includes thirteen grandchildren—Melissa (Rick) Broughton, Shawn (Amy) Southard, Gregory Sweet, Timothy (Terry) Sweet, Steven (Ileshea) Brugger, Katelyn (Jordan) Southard, Jacob "Hank" (Caroline) Southard, Amanda (Eric) Renth, Jason (Emily) Schneider, Kassidy (Ryan) Hacke, Andrew (Emily) Kleve, Michael (Roxanne) Cautz, and Shannon Chandler—who each benefited from her love and guidance. Beyond this, Edna’s thirty seven great-grandchildren; eight great great grandchildren; and her sister, Billye Horkener of Delevan, Illinois, as well as four nieces and four nephews remain living relatives who honor her memory.

Edna was preceded in death by her son John Southard and her daughter-in-law Nell Southard, her son-in-law Bill Latham. As well as two grandsons, Tommy Sweet and Todd Brugger, whose lives were touched by her gentleness. Edna also mourned the loss of her sisters Luan Gates and Darlene Basden, and her brother-in-law Ray Basden, one nephew, all of whom shared ties of kinship and love.

The graveside service to honor Edna’s life will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 12:00 p.m., at the New Baden City Cemetery, located at 1 East Hanover Street, New Baden, Illinois. 

Memorials made in memory of Edna may be made to the American Cancer Society and will be received at Nordike Funeral Home, 15 East Hanover Street, New Baden, Illinois 62265 who is serving the family.