Caroline Michele South was born on December 10, 1968, in Upland, CA, the younger child of Carroll V. South and Lois (Matthews) South. She was born with a heart defect that could have been fatal, but with medical care and a lot of prayers, it healed and was never a problem the rest of her life. It was ironic, because she was also known her whole life as someone with a big heart.
When she was only five years old, her dad ran for the Montana House of Representatives, and Caroline’s cute face was featured in Carroll’s campaign materials – certain to endear him to voters for being the father of such an adorable little girl. He won that race handily, and the next two, and spent the next six years serving in Helena every other year as a state representative. Caroline enjoyed her time spent in Helena and such a rare, first-hand early introduction to our system of government for a young child.
Caroline attended public schools in Miles City, MT, where she was beloved of both her teachers and classmates. During her high school years, Caroline worked various jobs around Miles City, mostly in restaurants. She graduated from Custer County High School in 1987 – the same high school attended by her father and three uncles, and also her grandmother Jean South.
In October of 1987, her mother Lois, brother Tim and Caroline, moved to California, where Lois had been born and raised, and where Tim had been born. Caroline found a job with Security Pacific Bank. Security Pacific was taken over by Bank of America, where she worked until her death, becoming a valued and loved 30-year-plus employee and winning accolades from B of A for her diligence, hard work and professionalism,
In 2000, Caroline married the love of her life, Tim Ledebur, at Benedict Castle in Riverside. Her stepmother Marsha Rae South, a professional singer, provided the vocals, with music by Toni Glidden, her maid of honor, and her uncle Garry South, then the top political aide to California Gov. Gray Davis, provided the toast at the reception. At the ceremony, Caroline got to meet her first niece, Savannah Jo South, who had been born just two days before. Caroline and husband Tim loved to celebrate their anniversary in Cambria, where they had spent their honeymoon.
No mention of Caroline would be complete without discussing her love of dogs – and the muttier, the better. She grew up with a beautiful white Samoyed, Pasha, and had a lifelong passion for rescue dogs. At her death, she was the proud stepmom of three rescue dogs, Emma, Abby and Rudy, who will miss her greatly.
Caroline’s untimely loss leaves a very large hole in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Her gentle spirit and generous nature, matched with her intelligence, positive attitude toward life and great and unfailing sense of humor, made her a delight to be around, and she will never be replaced.
Caroline is survived by her father Carroll, of Helena, MT, her mother Lois of Moreno Valley, CA, her brother Tim of Stanton, CA, her husband Tim, also of Moreno Valley, uncle Fred and aunt Barbara (IL), uncle Coleman and aunt Junko (Japan) and uncle Garry and aunt Emie (Los Angeles), her nieces Savannah and Selena of Cypress, CA, five first cousins (Terry South, Tracy Paulsen, Vince South, Tasha Scott and James Lee-South), her stepmother Marsha Rae of Helena, adopted stepsister Sara Rae and step-nieces Mariah and Sarina, all of Helena, MT.
The family asks that any memorials in honor of Caroline be made to Marley’s Mutts Dog Rescue (www.marleysmutts,org).
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Chris Fisher says
Caroline did have the biggest heart ❤️ she was such a beautiful person inside as well as her being so beautiful on the outside. My prayers go out to all of her family. May god be with you all❤️❤️
Grady Watts says
I remember Caroline from high school. It saddens my heart to hear of her passing. She was a gentle soul and will be missed by everyone. Rest in peace Caroline.
B Dean Holmes says
to all of the South family, its with greatest regards in you time of saddness.
Don Henderson says
Carroll and Lois: Sorry for your loss. May the Lord comfort you in this tie of need. Blessings, Don & Dolly Henderson, Bennett, Colorado
Ginger and Arnie Weber says
So sorry for your loss of your beautiful daughter! Our prayers and love is with you all. Sending our prayers, love and hugs your way. We will always have you all in our prayers. It just makes us look forward to seeing them again.🙏🏻💕🤗
Becky Best says
My sympathy to the entire South family and especially my dear friend, Lois, for this huge loss.
Melody DeMint says
Sweet Caroline such a beautiful young woman inside and outside too! May God provide you Lois and Tim with some peace and comfort during this time of grieving. My sympathy and prayers are with you all!
Michelle Ellefson Ackerman says
Sweet Caroline. I remember your giggle and kind heart. I was shocked to hear of her passing; so young and such a loving person to everyone. My sympathy to her family and friends.
Teza (South) Holland says
I’m so sorry to all for your loss. Caroline was such a sweet soul. I wish I could help take all of your pain away. Hugs and prayers to you all.
Ray and Sheri Clauson says
We are so sorry to hear of Caroline’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Stephani Schumacher-Collins says
Such a huge loss, Sweet Caroline. I knew her many years ago. Always, always such a sweet spirit to have around you. My heart does hurt for you, Tim, Lois and Caroline’s family. Take care.
Lisa Chapweske Cain says
Tim and family and I so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to you all.
K.D. says
Dear South/Ledebur Family – Please accept my condolences for the loss of dear Caroline. I lost my mother in May and would like to share a few words of encouragement that have helped me to get through these past few months. —–
The Bible makes it clear that God did not originally intend for humans to die. Psalms 37:29 states that, “The righteous will possess the earth and they will live forever on it.” Because of this, there is a hope to see your loved one again. I am looking forward to seeing my mother in a future earthly paradise where sickness and death will be done away with. – Revelation 21:3, 4 —–
However, when the enemy death strikes, grief is great and emotions run high. Please keep in mind that it does not show weakness to cry. As a matter of fact, when Lazarus died, Jesus himself, “gave way to tears.” This can be found at John 11:33, 35. —–
Know that your family is in my prayers and it is my sincere hop that these words will bring you comfort. Always remember that you can draw close to God in prayer and in this most trying time, “He himself will sustain you.” – Psalms 55:22
Xina says
Sorry for your loss
Desta Hirsch says
It just broke my heart to hear of Caroline’s passing. I’m so very sorry for your loss. Since junior high in Arnies Arcade till I last saw her in Riverside in the early 90s I would be hard pressed to find a kinder person. She will be missed by many.
Denise says
A beautiful women gone too soon ,so happy to have known you Caroline , you will be so missed 😔by many . You are in our thoughts , and Tim and Lois 💜 love panteli and denise xx
M Greggs says
When someone we love falls asleep in death the memories we have of them become our treasure, may those cherished memories and God’s promise at (John 6: 40 “I will resurrect him on the last day”), bring you a measure of peace and comfort during this most difficult time. My condolences to the family.
Glenda says
What a beautifully written obituary. I believe Caroline was a cousin, as I came across this doing ancestry research. Lenora Green South was my great aunt, and her sister Ethel Green Egge was my grandmother. I am 82yo and would like to hear from any of the South family who may be interested in connecting with the Egges. My deepest condolences for the loss of this beautiful soul, Caroline. I wish I had known her before finding this.