Ruby Southard

Mrs. Ruby McDonald Southard, age 88, a lifelong resident DeFuniak Springs, Florida, passed away Saturday, November 30, 2024, at home surrounded by her family. She was born January 13, 1936, the third of nine children, to Aubrey and Leola McDonald. 

She was a longtime member of the First Presbyterian Church of DeFuniak Springs and a devoted choir member. 

She is predeceased by the father of her four daughters, Douglas MacKinnon Andrews, her parents, Aubrey and Leola McDonald, her brother, Charles Lee McDonald and wife, Mary Alyce McDonald; her sister, Elizabeth Bishop and husband, Dub Bishop; her brother, Ingram McDonald; her brother, Aubrey Glenn; her brothers-in-law, Bruce Zimerle, Wayne Manning and Victor Calay. 

Among her survivors are her loving husband, Benton Southard, III, her daughters, Elizabeth Love Wolford, and husband, John; Kimberly Kate Morrissey; Tammy Margolies, and husband, Gary; Missy MacKinnon Brewer, and husband, James. Her grandchildren, Lee Wolford, Douglas Wolford, Clay Wolford, MacKinnon Doleac, Elliott Morrissey, Jacob Margolies, Cate Margolies, Keaton Butler and Max Butler. Great grandchildren Alexis Love Wolford, Will Wolford, Mac Wolford, CeCe Wolford, Jack Wolford, Charlie Wolford, Elizabeth Wolford, Jack Doleac and Campbell Wolford. 

Her surviving sisters include Genevieve Van Slate and her husband Jan Van Slate; Carolyn Zimerle; Jo Manning; Tawee Calay; sister-in-law, Doris McDonald and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Ruby was an avid gardener and known for the beautiful ornaments she created. She was a fabulous Southern cook, specializing in baking her secret brownies and fudge. She loved WWII movies and was an avid reader of autobiographies. 

Ruby served as Director of the Chamber of Commerce and co-owned a bed bath and linen shop, Infinity, in Sandestin, Florida. 

The family would like to thank the staff at Chautauqua Health and Rehabilitation Center, and HCA Ft. Walton Beach, for their loving care. And most importantly her hospice nurse, Jordan, who was a light for all of us during this time. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 1063 Circle Drive, DeFuniak Springs, Florida 32435, in the name of the Ruby Southard Music Fund. 

Funeral Services will be held Monday, December 2nd at 10:00 am with visitation following at the First Presbyterian Church, DeFuniak Springs, Florida.