LaVerne Viola Southern, 88, of Chillicothe, went to be with the Lord at 7:10 a.m. Wednesday, March 16, 2022 in the Adena Regional Medical Center unexpectedly.

She was born June 21, 1933, in Chillicothe, Ohio, to the late Robert and Florence Speakman Coder.  On April 5, 1952, she married Edward L. Southern who passed November 26, 2011.

Surviving are her three children, son, Randy (Diane) Southern; daughters Vicki (Howard) Newton and Michele (Richard) Coppel; grandchildren, Matthew (Kristin) Coppel, Natalee (James) Kelaher, Renee (Brian) Parks, Challie (Heather) Coppel, Justin (Alicia) Newton, Rebell Deacon, Randy Lee (Karrie) Southern, Joshua Southern, and Erin Newton; 17 great grandchildren; 2 great great granddaughters; and several nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by a brother, Robert Coder; a sister, Marilyn Morgan; an infant sister; and two infant granddaughters.

LaVerne graduated from Chillicothe High School in 1951.  She was a member of the First United Methodist Church where she served as a Sunday School Teacher for 25 plus years and sang in the Church Choir.  LaVerne was also a member of the UMW.  She, along with Edward, was the owner operator of the Laurelville Skating Rink until it was destroyed by fire and then owned several other small businesses.  Over the years, LaVerne had worked at the former Huhn's Meat Market, Sears and JC Penny's.  She loved spending time with her family and friends.  LaVerne was a faithful Christian and loved serving the Lord.

The family would like to extend a special "thank you" to Marie VanHoose and Sherry Mitchell for their loving care and friendship.

A Celebration of Life will be held 4 p.m. Saturday, March 19, 2022 in the First United Methodist Church 585 E. Main Street Chillicothe, Ohio with Doug Cox officiating.  Friends may call at the Church a half hour prior to the service on Saturday.  Inurnment will take place in Grandview Cemetery's Columbarium at the convenience of the family.

You may sign her online register at www.warefh.com