Mary Jane (Peppler) Southard

(PEPPLER) Mary Jane Southard, age 88, of Grandville, passed away, Friday, October 10, 2008. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Daniel Peppler and John Peppler and her sister, Leah Kathleen Dinkel. She is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, Charles; her son, Scott (Diane) Southard; grandsons, Scott (Heather) Southard and Adam (Susan) Southard and great grandson, Greyson Southard; sister-in-law, Virginia Bryan; and several nieces and nephews. Mary Jane graduated from Grandville High in 1938 and began her career with Grandville Schools in 1942 as a Kindergarten teacher and progressed to Principle and concluded her career as the Director of Curriculum, retiring in 1984. She received her Bachelor's Degree from Eastern Michigan University where she met her husband, Charles while tutoring him in Chaucer, she later earned two graduate degrees from Michigan State University. A Memorial service will be held 1 p.m. Monday at #10 School House in Heritage Park, 4280 Canal Ave., Grandville. When asked about her outlook on education, for a Grand Rapids Press article in 1997, Mary Jane remained optimistic. "Money won't remedy society's ills. Only good people working together will save our children. Sadly, most people never realize that children do as much for us as we do for them." The family welcomes memories and messages in their guest book online at www.cookfuneralservices.com. Memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson Foundation or the GEF Grandville Education Foundation. Cook Funeral and Cremation Services