Maxine Southard

Anita Maxine Southard, 86, of Jackson passed away Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2010, at her home.

She was born Sept. 24, 1923, in Cape Girardeau County, daughter of John Henry and Lydia Wedekind Ludwig. She and Elmer Clifford Southard were married Jan. 8, 1944. They were married 63 years when he passed away June 15, 2007.

Maxine was a 1941 graduate of Jackson High School and worked at Schade's Cafe after graduation. She and Elmer opened Southard's TV and Radio in Jackson in 1955, and Maxine worked alongside her husband as bookkeeper and shopkeeper more than 40 years.

She was a longtime member of Emanuel United Church of Christ, where she taught Sunday school, helped with Bible school and was a member of Lydia Kies Circle. She was a charter member of the former Eastside Homemaker's Club and stayed active with club activities more than 40 years.

Maxine was an avid gardener, was gifted in sewing, quilting and crafts, and loved to travel, enjoying many wonderful trips over the years.

Loving survivors include three children, Sue Wilfong of Barnhart, Mo., Judy Klein of Jacksonville, Fla., Jay (Jari) Southard of Jackson; five grandsons, Lonnie (Belinda) Wilfong and Darren (Susan) Wilfong of Hillsboro, Mo., Troy (Angie) Wilfong of Barnhart, Scott Klein of Jacksonville, Josh (Carla) Southard of Jackson; nine great-grandchildren; two sisters, Glenda Bollinger of Jackson, Jonell McNeely of Fruitland; and a brother, Terry Ludwig of Cape Girardeau.

In addition to her husband she was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Marjean Ludwig; and a son-in-law, Narvel Wilfong.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at the chapel of McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Friday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Sam Roethemeyer officiating.

The family wishes to express its thanks to faithful caregiver Ella Mae Amelunke, Pastor Sam of EUCC and Southeast Hospice.

Memorials are requested to Southeast Hospice or Emanuel United Church of Christ.

Sympathy messages may be sent to the family online at www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.