Donna Southard

Date of Death: November 6, 2012

Donna Southard (nee Achen), 74, of West Lafayette, IN, passed away from complications of Pancreatic Cancer on Tuesday November 6, 2012 at her home amongst loved ones.
Born October 14, 1938, in Bellevue IA, to the late Arthur and Irma Achen. She left Bellevue in 1956 and moved to West Lafayette IN.
Graduating from Purdue University, she earned a B.S and M.S in Education. After teaching English and Spanish in a local school, she went on to work at Purdue
for 22.5 years as a Publications Manager for the School of Agriculture and the Indiana/Purdue Extension Service.

She married Ben Southard in 1989 in Sevier county, Sevierville TN. During their 16 years of marriage, they enjoyed travel, Purdue sporting events and antiquing.
She was a member of 1st Methodist Church, the John Purdue Club, Purdue University Retirees Association, and Alpha Delta Pi sorority.
She is survived by a daughter Jennifer Toeppe and fiance Steven Myerthall of Phoenix AZ, daughter Stacey Toeppe and grandchildren Daniel and Hannah Foltz of Joplin MO, sister and brother in law Phyllis and Robert Post of Gilman IL
Sister-in-law, Vivian Achen of Bellevue IA, and Id Jones, her beloved companion of three years.
Donna is preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Irma Achen of Bellevue IA, a brother, Donald J. Achen of Bellevue IA, and husband Ben Southard of West Lafayette IN.

Memorial visitation will be Sunday November 11, 2012 from 4-6 PM at Soller-Baker West Lafayette Chapel
with the memorial service beginning at 6 PM.

A special thank you to the St. Elizabeth Hospice staff, especially Kimra for their wonderful end of life care.

In lieu of flowers those wishing may contribute to the Purdue University Center for Cancer Research
Hansen Life Sciences Research Building, Room 141
201 S. University Street
West Lafayette, Indiana 47907-2064.

Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc.

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Dear Stacey,
We were so sorry to hear from Stacy of your mother&s terminal illness. It&s been years since we had seen her, but we have good memories of times gone by. We are thinking of you and Jennifer at your time of loss.

With love remembering,
Mike and Bev

November 11, 2012

Dear Jennifer, Stacey, Phyllis and families?

Please accept our heartfelt sympathy in the loss of your beloved mother, sister and grandmother.

May you find comfort and hope from our thoughts and reassurances that others care and remember you in your loss and grief.

Although words from friends can?t take away the sadness you have in your heart or ease the loneliness that comes when loved ones have parted. Our trust is that you will find that inner strength to carry on?as a tribute, to Donna?s wonderful memories with you and with us!

Og Mandino, the famous author wrote, ?So each of us in our own way, endures our loss, but cherishes the memories. Just as it should be.?

However, when one?s heart is frozen in shock from the loss of a loved one; its family and friends who share their expressions of compassion and friendship which help to sustain us and softens the painful grieving process.

We deeply regret seeing you all lose such a precious loved one. We mourn the loss for you and celebrate Donna?s life in her memory?she was truly a wonderful lady and respected friend.

Our thoughts and our prayers are with you. We hope our message will bring you some measure of comfort. May peace replace your heartache and bountiful warm memories remain.

In closing, ?The nicest place to be is in someone?s thoughts. The safest place to be is in someone?s prayers. And the best place to be is in God?s hands.?

With kindest regards?God Bless...

Cay and Norman Long

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.