Lela Louise (Whiteley) Southard was born May 21, 1935 in Springfield, MO. to Raymond C. Whiteley and Maxey (Cox) Whiteley. She passed away Sept. 8, 2017 in Springfield at age of 82. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, James E. Southard, one son; Douglas Southard and wife Alana, one daughter; Denise Moore and husband Randall, 3 grandchildren; Sara Southard, Bradley Southard, and Taylor Moore. She was a longtime member of Boulevard Baptist Church. Lela enjoyed being a mom and grandma, and looked forward to family gatherings so she could spend time with her kids and grandkids. She was always proud of them. Services will be Monday, September 11, 2017, 3:00pm, at Greenlawn Funeral Home North. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Boulevard Baptist Church Building Fund.