Muriel A. Southon

Mrs. Muriel A. (Hess) Southon of Kalamazoo, passed away at home on September 2, 2014. Mrs. Southon was born in South Bend, Indiana on April 12, 1919, the daughter of William R. and Gladys (Hammond) Hess. She was a lifelong resident of Kalamazoo and graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan, graduating Summa Cum Laude. At the University of Michigan she was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Kappa Psi, Alpha Kappa Delta and Phi Lambda Delta national honor societies. She received her graduate training from the University Of Chicago School Of Social Service Administration. On February 10, 1942 she married the love of her life, Francis (Frank) Southon. Mr. Southon passed away August 27, 2014. Muriel was active in many community organizations and served as Chairman of the boards of the Kalamazoo Child Guidance Clinic and the Kalamazoo Community Mental Health Board. She also served on the boards of the American Association of University Women, Women’s Art League of the Kalamazoo Art Institute, Glowing Embers Girl Scout Council, United Way, and the former Center for the Continuing Education of Women. She was a member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Kalamazoo Country Club and a former member of Gull Lake Country Club. Muriel also enjoyed over 30 years of membership in the Tuesday Book Review Club. Muriel and her husband Frank spent their retirement traveling the world, enjoying life together. Muriel is survived by two daughters, Susan Southon of Bloomfield Hills, MI and Melissa (Ted) Hartridge of Kalamazoo; four grandchildren Steven (Lisa) Wolfram (New Orleans, LA), Christine (Jonathon) Wolfram Taylor (Hartford, CT), Kristin “Bunny” Hartridge (Kalamazoo, MI) and T.J. Hartridge (Avon, CO). Also surviving are four great grandchildren: Lily Wolfram, William Wolfram, Isabella Taylor and Christopher Taylor; and loving caregivers Amber, Stephanie, Cristina, Erica and Anna. At her request a private service will be held. Memorials may be made to Community Healing Centers. www.redmondfuneralhomes.net