Mary Kathleen (Kathy) Southards, 73, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family June 27, 2016, at the University of Colorado Medical Center in Aurora, Colorado, after a lengthy illness.
She was born September 5, 1942 in Cheyenne to Jack and Agnes (nee Smith) Ruch. She attended St. Laurence O’Toole Catholic School and graduated from Laramie High School in 1960.
In 1962 she married Joe Southards in Laramie at St. Laurence O’Toole Catholic Church. After they were married, they made their home on various ranches throughout Colorado, Wyoming, and Nebraska, until finally settling in Laramie in 1976 when Joe was employed by the University of Wyoming Stock Farm. Kathy was employed by Albany County School District No. 1 as the head baker at Elementary Central Kitchen for 33 years.
As a lifelong parishioner of St. Laurence O’Toole parish, she was an active member of St. Cecilia’s Alter and Rosary Group. She was also a member of the auxiliary group with the University of Wyoming Stock Farm known as the Farmerette’s for many years.
Following her retirement in 2009, Kathy stayed busy by reading, using her iPad, and traveling to her grandchildren’s sporting events with her husband. She especially enjoyed having coffee with the “Wednesday Afternoon Grandma’s Club”. Kathy’s family was the joy of her life. She spent many hours capturing cherished memories with her disposable cameras.
Kathy was preceded in death by her parents; her sister Beverly (Ruch) Southards; and a brother Billy Ruch. In addition to her husband of 54 years she is survived by two daughters, Katy Hudson (Dave Walsh) of Laramie; Suzie Kline (Kevin) of Gillette; two grandchildren, Kaycee and Kody Kline. She is also survived by her sister Jo Ellen Williams (Dave) of Cheyenne; her brother-in-law Glenn Southards (Peggy) of Seminoe, WY; her life-long dear friend Sandra Aguilar, of Salem, OR; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Vigil and Rosary service will be held Thursday, June 30 at 5:30 p.m. at St. Laurence O’Toole Catholic Church.
Funeral liturgy will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 1 at St. Laurence O’Toole Catholic Church with Father Dave Erickson, celebrant. Interment will follow at Greenhill Cemetery.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Kathy sat right behind me at 5:30 Mass every Saturday. I knew she had health issues but it never kept her from having a kind word and a very warm smile. She was a joy to visit with. The Angels in Heaven have been graced with a very beautiful individual when she joined them. They greeted her with open arms. May she Rest in Peace. Many Blessings to you all.
Although my husband Bob and I have lived in Longmont, CO for 8 years now, I still have very fond memories of Kathy and all your family from our years at our beloved St. Laurence Parish and School. When I saw Kathy, I always knew I would see her beautiful smile. Suzie, I am grateful for our guitar time together. Do you still remember how to play Do You Hear What I Hear? I think of you with that song every Christmas. Grateful for faith in Eternal Life, Paula Hurtubise
My thoughts and prayers are with the whole family. It was a pleasure to know and love Kathy. We worked together and prayed together in our Alter and Rosary group. We played bunco and had many fond memories together. I will miss you.
Sorry to hear of your loss, Joe and family. Bill Darcy
Dear Joe, Katy, Suzie, JoEllen and Sandra, I am so sorry for all of you. I know you miss Kathy dearly. She was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She was very devoted to St. Laurence O'Toole Catholic Church and would help out whenever possible. She has struggled with her health for many years, but did so without lots of complaints. We will all miss her, but I know you will miss her more. I am sorry that I can't be at the Vigil Service or Mass, but you all will be in my thoughts and prayers. I am available to help out in any way possible. Please don't hesitate to call me. All our love and prayers, Lois and Julius Pine
I am truly sorry for your loss. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Very sorry for your loss. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
My thoughts and prayers are with Joe, Katy, Suzie and the entire family in this difficult time.