Eleanor Crume Southard

BEAVER DAM – Eleanor Crume Southard, 83, formerly of Beaver Dam, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on December 17th, 2025 at the Heartford House in Owensboro. She was born in Beaver Dam on October 31st, 1942 to the late Homer and Evelyn Crume.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 52 years, Ronnie Gene Southard; brother, Kurt Crume; brother-in-law, Jerry Wayne Southard; and sister-in-law, Martha Widner.

Eleanor is survived by her son, Andrew Southard (Sonya) and granddaughter, Kayla Southard, all of Hartford; sister, Elaine Crume Haley (Larry Yoder) of Denver, Colorado; sister-in-law, Debi Clark (Greg) of McHenry; sister-in-law, Barbara Southard of Booneville, Indiana; special friends, Barbara Gray and Shelia Sims; and several nieces and nephews.

Eleanor was a long-time member of Beaver Dam Baptist Church, but in recent years attended Broadway General Baptist Church. She was also a high school English teacher before working alongside her family at Southard Auto Specialties in Beaver Dam. Many people will remember her warmth, joy and generous spirit; along with some stubbornness. She thoroughly enjoyed spending time with her granddaughter, Kayla, who brought tremendous joy to her life. She also had a passion for cooking, baking and collecting recipes and glassware. Her kitchen was always filled with the aromas of homemade meals and sweet treats which she often shared with others. Her legacy of love, hospitality and kindness lives on in the hearts of those she touched.

A funeral service to honor Eleanor’s life will be held on Saturday, December 20th, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Bevil Bros. Funeral Home in Beaver Dam with Bro. Tim Smith officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 10:00 AM until the time of service. The service will be livestreamed on the funeral home website. Burial will follow in Sunnyside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family asks that you share a meal with others or send a monetary donation to Hospice & Palliative Care of Western Kentucky in her memory. Online messages of condolence may be sent to bevilbrosfuneralhomes.com.