Betty Ann Southern

Betty Ann Southern, 87, of Newton died on Thursday, January 2, 2025, at MercyOne Newton Medical Center. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at the First Christian Church in Newton. The family will greet friends from 5-7 p.m., Tuesday, January 14, at the church.  Memorials to the First Christian Church may be left at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory or at the church during the services.

Betty, the daughter of Alman and M. Fern (Pangburn) Kenyon, was born on May 9,1937, in Mystic, Iowa.  She graduated from Moulton High School in 1955 as Valedictorian and the “Better Homes and Garden Award for Homemaking” winner.  On December 24, 1954, Betty was united in marriage with James Southern in Moulton.  Shortly after they made their home in Newton.  For 42 years, Betty worked at the Maytag Dairy Farm, rising to Office Manager and Corporate Secretary. Betty was an active member of the First Christian Church in Newton for over 60 years. She had served as Deacon, Elder, and had taught both adult and youth groups for over 40 years. Betty had also been a member of IOOF and enjoyed cheering of the Kansas City Chiefs, flower gardening, and spending time with her grandchildren.

Betty is survived by her husband of 70 years, James “Jim” Southern of Newton; son, David Southern (Amanda Corzette) of Reasnor; two grandsons, Matthew (Meri) Brown and Brock Southern; and great-grandchildren, Jacquelin (Cody) Veldhuizen and Alice and Abraham Brown.  She was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Deborah Brown; and brother, Robert Kenyon.