Martha Goode Souther, 82

Martha Goode Souther, 82, of Mills River passed away Thursday, June 6, 2013, at the Elizabeth House in Flat Rock.

A native and lifelong resident of Henderson County, she was the daughter of the late Russell and Sarah Goode. She was also preceded in death by three brothers, Vonnie, Julian, and James, and one sister, Oveda Owens.

For 29 years, Mrs. Souther served as a bus driver for Mills River Elementary School. She was a member of the Mills River Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary and the Mills River Presbyterian Church. She dearly loved her family, especially her grandkids and great-grandkids. She was lovingly known as "Butch" by her husband.

Mrs. Souther is survived by her devoted husband of 65 years, Thomas Souther of Mill River; two daughters, Barbara Cox and husband, Jerry, of Etowah, and Carolyn Christianson and husband, Fred, of Horse Shoe; four grandchildren, Shelley Earley; Brian Cox and wife, Marque; Scott Orr and wife, Stacy; and Candace Duncan; six great-grandchildren, Allison and Katelyn Earley, Maggie and Josie Cox, Hailee Orr, and Shawna Gilliam; several nieces and nephews; and by her best friends, Ruby, Nancy and Joan.

A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, June 9, 2013, at the Mills River Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Clyde Bryson officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 – 8 p.m. Saturday at Shuler Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Four Seasons Compassion for Life, 571 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731.

An online guest book and sympathy card are available at www.shulerfuneralhome.com. Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.