Mary "Dede" L. Southworth

Mary L. “Dede” Southworth of Tompkins Center, our beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother was called home to God on March 29,2023.  She was lovingly cared for and surrounded by her family with the support of Hospice services in her home on the family farm. She worked diligently as a lifelong homemaker who never lost site of the importance of family. Some of the many things she loved to do included: reading, gardening, canning, freezing, cooking, tending flowers, sewing, crocheting, bowling, playing cards and puzzles.  She was also involved in many community memberships and events such as election board volunteer, Tompkins Historical Society, 4-H Leadership TOPS and the Tompkins Freedom Festival. She touched others lives in a caring and positive way, building enduring friendships still in existence today and will be remembered by her family as a pillar of love and a rock of strength.

Surviving are her 5 wonderful children, Evelyn Meerman, Alan (Rhonda Jones) Southworth, Yvonne (Jim) Crawford, Brenda Small, and Duane (Barbara) Southworth; proud grandmother of 8, Jason (Stephanie) Meerman, Brice (Trisha) Meerman, Nicholas (Amanda) Meerman, Jesy (Mickey) Carothers, Kylee (Chad) Wetzel, Lynsay (Gerry) Lobdell, Alexandra (Tyler) Aldridge, and Elizabeth Southworth; 16 great-grandchildren and with one on the way;   brother, Rud (Beverly) Hoag; brother-in-law, Ronnie Sowers; and many nieces, nephews, and other family members and friends.     Dede was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Gary; parents, Mary & Fritz Hoag; sister, Katie Sowers.

Celebration of Dede’s life will be 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, April 5, 2023 at the Watson Funeral Chapel, 2590 Spring Arbor Rd, Jackson with Pastor Toby L. Teague officiating.  The family will receive friends from 10:00 A.M. Wednesday until time of service.  Interment will be later at Tompkins Cemetery.

Contributions may be made to the S.A.F.E. program of Springport School, or Hillsdale College, or a charity of one’s choice in memory of Dede.  Please express your condolences to the family at www.watson-funeral-chapels.com.

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