Marilyn Jane (Gibbons) Southern of Newkirk, OK, was born at Keystone, OK, October 25,1929, to Robert and Mimi (Snyder) Besser. She went to be with her heavenly Father on Monday, October 3, 2022, at the age of 92.

The service will be held at 10am, Friday, October 7, 2022, at Resthaven Memorial Park in Ponca City. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home & Crematory, 505 W Grand Ave, Ponca City, OK 74601.

Marilyn was the youngest of four children. She graduated from Cleveland High School with the class of 1947. Later, she married Don Gibbons, a preacher’s son and farmer. The couple resided on the farm and both were employed part-time with the ASCS Division of the USDA in Pawnee County. The couple moved to Newkirk in 1960. Don passed away October 4, 2010.

Also preceding her in death were her parents and brothers, Darrell, Fabian and Robert.

In 2011 she and Bill Southern of Fairfax were united in marriage at the Newkirk, First Christian Church and have resided in Newkirk since that time.

Survivors include her devoted husband Bill, two stepchildren, Mark Southern and wife Penny of Norman and Alicia Southern of Kingfisher, and 7 grandchildren, Ashley Cornelsen and husband Trevor, Paige Southern, Brandon Southern and wife Kayla, Mya Dewberry, Makiah Dewberry, Kylan Southern and Gia Southern, and 2 1/2 great-grandchildren Guinevere Cornelsen, Asher Cornelsen and one baby Southern on the way in the spring.

She was a member of the First Christian Church of Newkirk and had served as Deacon, Financial Secretary and with the Worship Department. Jane’s career consisted of secretarial positions. Being a tomboy at heart, she was an avid animal lover. She loved her cat (Boomer) for many years. She loved pink and flowers.

Jane was a wonderful kindhearted person. She was a very giving person. She had a gentle kind spirit and was very soft spoken but was a mighty strong woman. She will be dearly missed.

Honorary Pallbearers; Raymond Simons, Trevor Cornelsen, Bob Coffee, Brandon Southern, Mark Southern, Kylan Southern, Asher Southern.

Paid Obituary