Obituary of Mary Ann Southern

Mary Ann Southern ~ 76 Vancouver, Washington February 24, 1940 ~ May 10, 2016 Mary Ann Southern was born in Walla Walla, WA on February 24, 1940 and she passed away peacefully on May 10th 2016. She graduated from: Walla Walla High School in 1958 and currently lived in Vancouver, WA. She is survived by her husband of 43 years, George Southern, twin brother; Robert Chenault (spouse Carol), sisters; June Alm (spouse Jim) and Anita Gauronski (spouse Jim), children; Christina Murray (spouse Buzz), Timothy Conklin (spouse Karin), Vicki Butler (spouse Walter), Dwight Southern and DJ Southern (spouse Polly), and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her sister; Merle Snyder. Mary Ann worked at Consolidated Freightways for 25 years and is most remembered for her position working on the switch board as it was (at the time) the “face” of the corporate office in Portland, OR. She held many other jobs, but really enjoyed her years of bartending as she is an incredible people-person. She had an amazing gift for gab, she made friends everywhere she went, never met a stranger and could start up a conversation with anyone anywhere. She was a born leader and volunteered with many organizations, clubs and social groups including Secretary of the Elks bowling league, Treasurer of her neighborhood home owner’s association and organizer of the 5th Wheeler’s bi-annual luncheons just to name a few. Her spirit, energy, voice and laugh were all larger than life. If you knew her, you will remember her most by amazing smile and booming laughter. Being animal lovers, Mary Ann and George had many beloved dogs, most recently their poodle, Dolly. Multiple neighbors enjoy stopping by the house to take Dolly for a walk or bring their own dog over to visit and maybe share in a treat. Charities close to Mary Ann’s heart include charities related to breast cancer awareness or research, The March of Dimes, and The Humane Society.