Time For Memory

Janet Ruth Southard

1942 - 2009

Janet Ruth Southard (1942-2009)

Janet Ruth Southard, age 66, of Ashland, Ky., passed away surrounded by her loving family on Feb. 1, 2009, in Cornerstone Hospital in Huntington, W.Va. following a brief illness.

Mrs. Southard was born July 2, 1942, in Evansville, Ind., a daughter of the late Kenneth and Helen Holsapple Willis.

In addition, she was preceded in death by her husband, Gary Southard in 2003; and a son, Ronnie David Southard.

She taught math and Latin at Rose Hill Christian School and formerly taught at Booneville High School in Indiana and Boyd County High School. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Lloyd, Ky., and was loved very much by her grandchildren and her students and will be sadly missed.

Surviving are a daughter, Joyce Gambill and husband, Richard of Ashland; a brother, Kenneth Wayne Willis and wife, Carol of Lynchburg, Va.; grandchildren, Scott and Kaylyn Gambill; a niece, Kim Ewers and two nephews, Kelley and Kirk Willis.

The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5, 2009 at Steen Funeral Home-13th Street Chapel in Ashland by Pastor Jim Yates and Dr. Ronnie Mayes. Burial will be in Rose Hill Burial Park in Ashland.

Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2009 at the funeral home.

Friends may make contributions to Rose Hill Christian School, 1001 Winslow Road, Ashland, KY 41102.

Online condolences may be made to www.steenfuneralhomes.com.

There are currently 14 condolences.

Kesha D. Evans Tuesday February 10, 2009 at 8:14 PM
It was such a sorrowful moment to hear of Mrs. Southard's passing. I have always held both her and Mr. Southard very dear to my heart. She was a caring teacher and without her guidance I don't believe I would be where I am today. May God hold you in his arms and comfort your family in these times.

Sen. Walter Blevins Sunday February 8, 2009 at 10:46 AM
My deepest sympathies to the family and friends. May God bless and comfort.

April Garvin Hennecke Thursday February 5, 2009 at 9:12 PM
I am so sorry to hear about Mrs. Southard. She was a great mentor and friend to me during my time teaching at Rose Hill (2003-2005). Your family is definitely in my thoughts and prayers.

April Garvin Hennecke Thursday February 5, 2009 at 9:07 PM


Stephanie Brinsley Thursday February 5, 2009 at 6:39 PM
Joyce and Family, I am so very sorry to hear about the passing of your mother. I have so many wonderful memories of your mother helping me through the trials of Algebra and Geometry. I saw her last in 2002 and was able to thank her for her patience with me through high school and share common experiences of being an educator. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you all. You have truly been blessed by having two wonderful parents who loved you and so many others. Thanks for sharing them with us.

Grace Stafford Wednesday February 4, 2009 at 10:18 PM
Joyce, I was so sorry to hear about your mother. Just want to let you know that I am thinking about you. She was a wonderful person and a good neighbor. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Your Friend, Grace

Trish Johnson Wednesday February 4, 2009 at 12:14 PM
Joyce, Your mother will be missed greatly! She was a great lady and teacher. She is home now with Ronnie, your dad and Jesus. I know she wouldn't want to be anywhere else. Our deepest sympathy and much love during this hard time!

kathy hart Wednesday February 4, 2009 at 9:01 AM
mrs.southard was a patient where I work. I always enjoyed talking with her you could tell she is a very precious lady. I am sorry for your loss. May God surround you with His loving arms and give you peace and comfort that only He can at this time in your life. Thoughts and Prayers to you and your family. Kahty Hart

David and Mary Russell Wednesday February 4, 2009 at 7:46 AM
Janet Southard was one of the finest Christians and educators we have ever known. In her, you could definitely see the love of Christ. When I, David, was a student at Rose Hill Christian School, she was one of my favorites because she truly loved her students, and they were her children. She will be missed by everyone she came in contact with. Mary and I pray for her family during this time.

Fred Horn Tuesday February 3, 2009 at 9:32 PM
Joyce, My deepest condolances to you and your family with the passing of your mom. She was an awesome woman! I have some incredible memories of her and your dad from the time they came into my life in 1976. They made a difference! Thanks for sharing them both with so many.

Kenny and Crissy Hogsten Tuesday February 3, 2009 at 9:31 PM
Dear Joyce and Family, We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. We both have so many fond memories of our time with her when we were students at Rose Hill. Please know we are thinking of you all during this time and we want you to know what a impact your parents had on all those who knew them.

Glenn and Lisa Johnson Tuesday February 3, 2009 at 1:23 PM
We are so sorry for your loss. We go to church with Asalee and adore her. We are praying for your family.

Glenn and Lisa Johnson Tuesday February 3, 2009 at 1:22 PM


Wayne & Carole Roberts Tuesday February 3, 2009 at 12:49 PM
Dear Joyce and family: Carole and I are so sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. We have just received an email with this information from Mary Lou Brummitt. We didn't learn of Gary's passing until several months following. It was my joy to work with Gary and Janet during my brief tenure as Music Minister at RHBC, 1993-1996. Please accept our condolences and sympathy. Wayne & Carole Roberts

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