ONA LEE SOUTHERLAND

Ona Lee Southerland, known affectionately as Ona to all who knew her, passed away peacefully on March 29, 2024, in Driftwood, Texas, after a valiant battle with metastatic malignant melanoma. Born on June 11, 1953, in Sydney, Nebraska, Ona’s spirit and enthusiasm for life touched everyone around her. Her journey of 70 years was marked by love, devotion, and a steadfast commitment to her family and community.

Ona’s life was one of service and joy. After graduating from Massey Business College of Houston, she embarked on a career that began with data entry for credit bureaus. However, she soon found her true calling as a dedicated housewife; a role she cherished above all others. Her love for her family was the cornerstone of her life, and she poured her heart into creating a warm and loving home.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Raney Southerland, with whom she shared a lifetime of love and partnership. Her legacy of love continues through her children: son Aaron Southerland and his spouse Sheri, and their children Marcus and Penelope; daughter Aris Cox and her spouse Chris, and their children Kori Tamayo, Rhylee Tamayo, Gabriel Tamayo, and Ella Cox; and son Austin Southerland and his spouse Kexin Southerland. Her extended family includes her two sisters: Lawanna Vasquez and her kids Kelly, Cindy, and Shawn with grandkids Alec and Keri: and Melba Billingsly and her kids Darrell and spouse Genivive, Randy and spouse Penny, Russ and partner Rhonda, Terry and partner Bill, and grandchildren: Jamie, Jordan, Teana and Spouse Travis, Timothy and spouse Jessica, Jonathan and spouse Lacey, RC and spouse Christian, Joni and spouse Chadd, and great-grandchildren Kristine, Brandon, Sawyer, Elizabeth, Ben, Brian, Trenton, Harper, Jordan, Lane, Conner, Tristen and great-great-grandchildren Audrey and Addison. Each family member carries a piece of Ona’s heart and spirit within them.

Ona’s zest for life extended beyond her home into her community. She was an exceptional athlete in her younger years, playing on a tournament softball team where she was known as one of the most talented hitters. Her love for sports continued with her passion for running, participating in numerous nonprofit events and achieving the remarkable feat of coming in second place in a half marathon.

Later in life, she became a dedicated member of Camp Gladiator, where she proudly accumulated over 1000 check-ins.

Not one to sit still, Ona also enjoyed working on various projects around the house with her husband.

She relished the opportunity to learn new skills, such as finish work and sheetrock finishing, and was always eager to take on a new challenge. Her hands were rarely still, and her home was a testament to her hard work and creativity.

Those who knew Ona will remember her as a loving, faith-filled, and selfless individual. She lived her life with grace and kindness, always putting others before herself. Her unwavering faith was a source of strength and comfort to her and those she loved. Ona’s presence was a gift, and her memory will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her.

As we reflect on Ona’s life, we are reminded of the words she spouted 2 years into her treatments: “I may have had 2 bad years, but I had 68 great ones before that.” Ona deeply loved, and in turn, she has become an indelible part of each of us.

Ona Lee Southerland’s life was a beautiful tapestry woven with love, service, and an unshakeable faith.

As we say goodbye, we take comfort in knowing that her spirit lives on through her family, her friends, and the many lives she touched.

Her journey on earth may have ended, but her story continues in the hearts of those who loved her. Rest in peace, dear Ona, until we meet again.

The Celebration of Life for Ona Lee Southerland will be held on April 27th at 11am in Sage Hall of the complex called Texas Old Town in Kyle TX. A link for their page is here: https:// texasoldtown.com/ Right after the service there will be a meal served by Chuys and we would like for all to stay and enjoy ( chuys. com ).

For those that can’t attend in person, there will also be a live stream provided by Harrell Funeral Home in Kyle on Ona Lee’s Tribute Page. You can also find all information about the service on this page also. https://gb774.app. goo.gl/sn9k5 In lieu of flowers we ask that you make a donation to ‘The American Cancer Society’ https://donate. cancer.org/ or to ‘AIM at Melanoma’ https://www. aimatmelanoma.org/ and click on donate. Please donate in memory of Ona Southerland.”