Mary Della (Johnson) Southard was born on January 23, 1931 in Hulbert, Oklahoma to Orville Johnson and Edith (Rosenthal) Johnson.  She married the love of her life on March 10,1951, Joe Southard, they were happily married for 49 years before Joe's passing on August 17, 2000.

Mary grew up in Hulbert, Oklahoma until her family made the move to Wagoner, Oklahoma in 1940.  She graduated from Wagoner High School in 1949.

Mary enjoyed her life; she loved to be outdoors, enjoying nature. She loved to fish, camp and enjoyed gardening as well, where she raised a vegetable garden and many flowers. Traveling was also something she enjoyed. Her true love in life was her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  They always brought a smile to her face.

Mary departed this life in the early hours of the morning on Saturday, March 23, 2024, with her daughter, Pam and son-in-law, Pete by her side, in Claremore, Oklahoma.  Preceding her in death were her parents, Orville, and Edith Johnson; her husband, Joe Southard; her sister, Elaine Johnson; and niece, Debbie Presley

Cherishing many memories of Mary is her daughter, Pam Fowler and her husband, Pete of Pryor, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Jennifer DeFeo and her husband, Ben of Jefferson City, Missouri, and Daniel Fowler and his wife, Jenny of Gladstone, Missouri; great grandchildren, Joe DeFeo, Gwyn DeFeo, Elie DeFeo, Cecily Fowler, and Piper Fowler; a sister, Dora Nichols of Wagoner, Oklahoma; Numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family who will miss her dearly.

Viewing will take place on Thursday, March 28, 2024 in the Chapel of Mallett Funeral Home and Crematory, from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Family will greet friends and relatives at a Visitation, on Thursday, March 28, 2024 from 5-7 p.m. in the Chapel of Mallett Funeral Home and Crematory.

A Celebration of Life, honoring the life of Mary Southard will be held on Friday, March 29, 2024 in the Chapel of Mallett Funeral Home and Crematory at 2:00 p.m. Officiating will be Pastor Terry Presley.

Interment will be in Pioneer Memorial Cemetery in Wagoner, Oklahoma.