Frances Marie (Smith) Southern

Frances Marie Southern, 96, died peacefully at Providence St. Mary Medical Center on January 16, 2025, surrounded by her family.

She was born on the family farm near Whitman Mission on February 2, 1928, to William Cornell Smith and Olga Alexsandra Lehto Lundstrum Smith. She attended Davis Elementary School and Walla Walla High School, graduating with the class of 1947.

Frances married Robert Bruce Southern, Jr. on December 3, 1950. While Bruce was serving in the Navy, Frances worked for the telephone company as an operator. After Bruce returned from the Korean War, the couple moved to Touchet and opened a barbershop with a soda fountain, where Frances developed her lifelong love of ice cream. The couple later moved to College Place, where Bruce worked as a banker.

Frances volunteered as a Cub Scout den mother and 4-H leader. Many young people in the valley learned their cooking skills through her guidance. She started one of the few 4-H boys cooking clubs in the 1960s. Later, she led a 4-H cooking club for girls.

Frances was active in the Touchet Grange for many years and later Valley Chapel, where she used her artistic talents to create the picturesque community booths at the fair. She was also active in the Berney and Mt. View Homemakers clubs and, in 1974, was named the Walla Walla County Extension “Homemaker of the Year.”

From 1974 to 1988, Bruce and Frances made their homes in Kennewick, Hermiston, and Edmonds. They returned to the Walla Walla Valley in 1988, shortly before Bruce’s passing.

The College Place Presbyterian Church was an important part of Frances’ life. One of her great pleasures was working with the quilters group at the church. The group made hundreds of quilts, which were donated to those in need. Frances also enjoyed visiting with people who were homebound or living in nursing homes – a weekly routine that she looked forward to for many years.

A talented cake decorator, Frances created beautiful and unique cakes for weddings, birthdays, and anniversaries, each one made with love. She also delighted in making peanut brittle, quilting, and hosting pinochle parties. Frances had a love for games of all kinds, and her enthusiasm extended to family gatherings, church functions, and school reunions. She loved to travel and enjoyed each adventure, whether it was a camping trip to the beach or mountains, an excursion to a foreign country, or a Sunday drive around the county. Frances held a special place in her heart for her grandchildren and cherished “Grandma Wednesdays,” her special day with the grandchildren when they were young.

Frances was preceded in death by her husband Bruce, infant daughter Darlene Marie, and five brothers George, William, Chester, Walter, and Earl.

She is survived by four children, Gary Southern (Michelle) of Walla Walla, Ron Southern of Richland, Darla Southern and Anna Southern of West Richland; three grandchildren, Laura Clemens (Chris) of Richland, Lucas Southern (LaShonda) of Pullman, and Stan Southern of Walla Walla; two great-grandchildren, Atticus Jack Clemens and Everly Frances Clemens; her sister, Virginia Grieb of Kennewick, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the College Place Presbyterian Church.

Memorial contributions in her honor may be made to the Fort Walla Walla Museum or the College Place Presbyterian Church Scholarship Fund through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W Alder St, Walla Walla WA 99362. Friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.