Virginia was born May 12, 1935 to Almon Hills Orton and Arvilla Day Orton, in Parowan Utah. Her mother passed when Virginia was 11 years old. Her father then married Margaret Little who Virginia loved as her second mother. She graduated Parowan High School in 1953. She attended College of Southern Utah in Cedar City and was Vice President of her sorority Pi Rho Omega. She had to choose an elective, her choices were golf or fencing, she said “I’ll never golf!” which ironically became a lifetime passion. In January of 1959, she met her sweetheart Donald V. Southam on a blind date at the Terrace Ballroom. They fell in love and were married August 15, 1959.
Virginia had many passions in life which she shared with Don and their four wonderful daughters. Virginia loved to volunteer and serve. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and held many callings. She was a member of the PTA at Newman Elementary. She spent many years as a youth bowling coach at Rancho Lanes. She had never been in a bowling alley until she met Don. She bowled at least once a week until the last few years. She exceled at her hobbies, bowling a perfect 300 game on April 29, 1993 at Fairmont Lanes. She hit a hole in one at Round Valley Golf Course on August 20, 2003. A few of her other passions included camping, hunting, and fishing.
Virginia is survived by her husband Don of 62 years, her four daughters, Vicki (Dan) Corbett, Leslie Dittman, Kristi (Mark) Dixon, and Julie (Brian) Maddox. Her eleven grandchildren, Kory Hymas, Jessica Corbett; Ross Dittman; Caleb, Cody, Carter and Carly Dixon; Jenna, Tarra, Brylee and Taylee Maddox. Seven great grandchildren with one due any day. Her brother Royden Orton and sister Shauna Russell.
She is preceded in death by her father, mother, stepmother, sisters Hilma Jensen and Jolynn Orton, and her brother Almon Orton.
A viewing will be held Tuesday, September 14, 2021 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Larkin Mortuary, and Wednesday, September 15, 2021 from 10:00am to 11:00am at Larkin Mortuary. Graveside services will follow the Wednesday viewing at 11:30am at Salt Lake Cemetery.
Family of Virginia Southam. So sorry for your loss. She was a special lady. My prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Joci Oki-Ogata
First bowling league I bowled she was on Sheet Metal at Bonwood she was a great friend of My son Allen.
Virginia was always such a kind a gentle soul. With a great sense of humor and a warmth that made all feel welcome. In time the memories that you all have will be a salve for the sorry she left behind.
You have our deepest sympathy.
Aaron and Sherry
Dear Family,
May you find peace and comfort to know many are praying for each of you at this difficult time. Your mother, sweetheart, sister, grandmother and friend will always be missed for she gave her all, both at home, church, bowling and where ever she served.
With Friendship and Love,
My deepest sympathy to all of the family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Virginia was such a delight to be around and bowl with, and I will treasure the many memories of bowling with her, Leslie and Kristi. She will be dearly missed.
So sorry, Don. She will be missed by all her bowling friends. She was a lovely lady with always a smile on her face and enjoying life.
Don, Leslie and the entire Southam family. I am so sorry for your loss, she was a special lady, You are in my thoughts, Virginia will be missed by the many livesshe touched.
Virginia was an amazing energetic person. She and Don were truly best friends and life partners. Seeing them together made others feel their love.
Don, Vicki, Leslie, Kristi and Julie
Virginia was one of the finest human beings that I have ever known. Her relentless engery and love for others especially Don and her children was palatable.
Virginia was always such a happy at of sunshine whenever she came to Newman!! Prayers for all her family- especially for Juliez a ray of sunshine like her mama- and a student of mine!
We love Virginia and so sorry to hear of her passing. She is a lovely lady and loved by all. We loved her in our bowling league Friendly Pairs which she and Don joined several years ago. we really enjoyed them there. We will miss her cheerful personality and beautiful smile she always wore. love her.
Don and girls - I'm so sorry to hear of Virginia's passing. She was a great person; I loved to be around her.
Love, Connie (Doug & Vera Price's daughter)