Lila Marguerite Southern

Lila Marguerite Southern, age 93 of Charlotte, MI, passed away peacefully on Dec. 8, 2010 at the Country Livin assisted home in Olivet, after a short illness. All the family would like to thank owners Sandy and Tim McCarn of Country Livin for all the great care they have given to Gramma. Lila was born Dec. 1, 1917 in Charlotte, MI to Emmon and Bertha Buffenbarger. Lila just celebrated her 93rd birthday on Dec. 1, 2010, surrounded by all her family and she was so happy. Lila enjoyed all the times spent with her family and especially loved all her grand children and great-grandchildren. Gramma loved all children, no matter whose child it was. In Lila’s working years she retired from General Aluminum Products in Charlotte, MI and had worked several years at the Charlotte Chair Company, and Magnesium Plant in Nashville, MI. She married Samuel Southern and they were married to one another for 67 years, until Sam’s passing on Nov. 24, 2005. They were each others soul mates. Lila was also preceded in death by her daughter and Son in Law, Sharon and Verl Varner; brother, Robert Buffenbarger; sister, Berniece Gilbert; Sister in law, June Buffenbarger and an infant grandchild. She is survived by: son, Phillip (Sandy) Southern of Charlotte; brother, Budd (Grace Goode) Buffenbarger of Sagola, MI; Sister in law, Elaine Buffenbarger of Kalkaska, MI; Grandchildren, Lori (Raymond) Aseltine, Brian (Jamie) Southern, Ricky (Becky) Southern all of Charlotte and Susie (Tim) Olmstead of Elgin, IL; Great grandchildren, Shaunie Aseltine, Brock Southern, Haley & Justin Southern (Melissa Summer, Amy Olmstead and Sarah Olmstead and several nieces and nephews. As per requested by Lila, there will be no funeral services, only graveside services for the family, at Maple Hill Cemetery. Anyone wishing to make memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Oaklawn Hospice or to the charity of your choice in remembrance of Lila. Arrangements by Burkhead-Green Funeral Home of Charlotte. www.burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com