Obituaries

Ellen Kay Martin Higgs, aged 57, passed away on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Winn Parish Medical Center. Born on August 6, 1968, in Warren, Arkansas, Ellen was the beloved daughter of Alvie Eugene Martin and Patricia Ellen

Williams Martin. She dedicated her life to her family, finding immense joy in the company of her loved ones.

Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands Tony Higgs and Robby Higgs, her cherished daughter McKenzie, and her sister Brooke Davis. She leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories with her son Tyler Hayes and his wife Caitlin, her adored grandchildren Jayden, Scarlett, Brooks, and Whitlee Kay, and her fiancé Richard Walton. Ellen is also survived by her sister Amy Hooter and her husband Brad, her sisterin- law Lucille Sharbono, her nephews Dalton Harger, Cody Maloy, and Hunter Maloy, and her nieces Brooklyn Harger and Hanna Williams. Her beloved pets, Roman and Ceasar, were also a significant part of her life.

Marilyn Elaine Tharpe Baker, 81, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 in Lafayette, La., with her daughters by her side.

She was born June 22, 1944 in Alexandria, La. to the late Virgil and Ruby Tharpe of Winnfield, La.

Marilyn served her country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, where she met the love of her life and soulmate, Larry W. Baker.

She and Larry married only four months after they met, on her birthday, June 22, 1965. She and Larry were married for 54 years when he passed away in 2019.

Marilyn loved antiques and collectibles, collecting meaningful pieces over the years that she proudly displayed in her home. She also enjoyed spending time with her daughters and grandchildren, painting, crocheting and outings with her family.

Funeral services for Penny Mayes Dulaney, age 62 of Sikes, were held 1:00 PM, Tuesday, December 16, 2025, from the Columbia chapel of Riser & Son Funeral Home with Bro. Larry Montgomery officiating. Interment followed in the Dulaney Cemetery near Sikes. The Dulaney Family received visitors on Monday, December 15, 2025, at the funeral home from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM.

Penny Irene Dulaney passed from this life December 11, 2025. She was proceeded in death by her father, William Harvey Mayes, mother, Marie Arrant Mayes, 2 sisters: Patricia Campbell and Shirley Williams, and one brother, Freddie Wayne Mayes. She is survived by her husband of 41 years, Donald Dulaney, one son, Joseph Dulaney and wife Autumn Dulaney, 4 grandchildren: Addy Dulaney, Colt Dulaney, Stetson Dulaney, and Case Dulaney, and a host of nieces and nephews.

Patricia Ann Hicks Keiffer, age 82, of Winnfield, Louisiana, passed away Thursday, November 20, 2025, at her daughter’s home. She was born on September 21, 1943, in Winnfield, Louisiana, to the late Jesse Edward Hicks and Elsie Lee Garrett Hicks.

A devoted mother and grandmother, Patricia lived a life marked by laughter, loyalty, and deep affection for those she loved. She treasured the bonds of family above all else and found joy in visiting with friends and family. She will leave a lasting imprint on everyone blessed to share life with her.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, L. C. Keiffer; siblings Joy Miller, Jessie Hicks, Carroll Hicks, Fred Hicks, and Mary Miller; and seven nieces and nephews.

Ginger Michelle Thomas passed away on Saturday, November 1, 2025, in Houston, Texas. Ginger was born January 26, 1975, in West Monroe, Louisiana. She was the second and youngest daughter of John (“Codger”) and Patricia Ann Thomas, of Joyce, Louisiana.

Ginger’s earthly life was constrained by her physical limitations. She was afflicted by cerebral palsy from birth. She never walked or spoke. She endured multiple orthopedic surgeries and other medical procedures over the course of her life. However, her life was not defined by these limitations or these circumstances. Ginger had a vibrant and engaging personality. She was witty and her eyes bore witness to her energetic spirit. She was known by everyone she encountered for her happiness and the joy she expressed over the course of her life. In short, Ginger’s life was defined by the spirit of Christ who lived within her.

Julie Ann Boyett, 78, of Dodson, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 13, 2025, in Winnfield, Louisiana. Born on Thursday, July 4, 1946, in Winnfield, she was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend whose legacy will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Julie was preceded in death by her parents, Noah Blanchard Gilcrease and Betty Mae Stroud Gilcrease; her brother, Jimmy Whisonant; and her sister, Doris Nugent.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 58 years, Donald Ray Boyett of Dodson, Louisiana; her children, Donald Boyett, Jr., Judy Cosby (Chuck), Christy Griffin (Danny), and Suzette Hoffpauir (Mickey); grandchildren, Sam (Brooke), Logan, Ben, Nolan (Cheyenne), Cassie, and Rose; great-grandchildren, Noah and Kinsley Grace; her brothers, Noah and Glenn Doyle Gilcrease; her sister, Jackie Eubanks; and her cherished puppy, Lola.

Donald Ray Boyett, age 82, of Dodson, Louisiana, passed away Friday, October 17, 2025, in Alexandria, Louisiana. He was born Saturday, August 14, 1943, in Winnfield, Louisiana, and was a lifelong resident of the area.

He was a devoted member of Cypress Creek Baptist Church. Donald enjoyed hunting, fishing, tending his vegetable garden, and running his dogs. He delighted in frying fish and cherished time with his grandchildren, who affectionately knew him as Papaw Donald Ray.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Amo James Boyett and Annie Cunningham Boyett; his wife, Julie Gilcrease Boyett; and siblings, Alton Boyett, James Boyett, Lynwood Boyett, and Gayle Gunter.

Donald is survived by his children, Donald Ray Boyett, Jr., Judy Boyett Cosby (Chuck), Christy Boyett Griffin

Conrad Allen Broomfield, Jr., affectionately known as Shoestring, age 58, passed away peacefully at his home in Dodson under the loving care of Hand in Hand Hospice after a short but courageous battle with cancer.

Shoestring was a simple man with a big heart and an even bigger personality. He spent his life behind the wheel of a log truck, working hard and making friends wherever the road took him. He never met a stranger and never missed a chance to lend a hand or crack a joke. He was a character through and through, known for his quick wit, good-natured teasing, and the way he could turn an ordinary day into a story worth retelling.

He had a lifelong love of classic cars, antiques, good company, and helping others. When life got tough, his strength, humor, and stubborn streak carried him through. During his illness, the outpouring of love and support from his friends and community meant the world to him and his family.

Ronald Wayne Griffin is a legend-just ask his grandchildren! Born April 2,1948, Ronald crammed a lot of living into his 77 years, 4 months, and 20 days, passing away on August 24,2025. His was a life of action, relationships, supportive love, and service to his Lord and his country. Ronald or “Griff” to many, was preceded in death by his parents, Hugh and Marie Griffin, brother Wesley Griffin, sister Elizabeth Jones, and granddaughter Hannah Faith Peavy, He was the patriarch of his family and was devoted to his loyal wife of 57 years, Jane Mayes Griffin. Together they had four children: daughter Kimberly Williams and Billy (Zachary, Gabriel, and Bailee), daughter Cindy Peavy and Ray (Griffin and Garrett), son Wayne Griffin and Lyndsey (Micah, Addison, Noah), and son Adam Griffin and Natalie (Raegan, Olivia, Owen, and Oakley).

Patricia Ruth Sutton Godwin, age 82, of Goldonna, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2025. Pat was born on December 28, 1942, in Grapevine, Texas, to the late Raymond L. Sutton and Marie Gorham Sutton.

A loving wife, mother, Granny, sister, aunt and friend, she devoted her life to her family. She loved hunting, fishing, gardening, hiking, traveling, and spending time at the lake house on Clear Lake. But nothing made her happier than to be surrounded by her family. She was also an entrepreneur, teaching herself how to be a taxidermist and being the owner/operator of Pat’s Country Corner in Goldonna for 20 years. Everyone knew “Ms. Pat”, and she was an ardent supporter of the Goldonna community.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Marie Sutton; her daughter, Shirley Forsythe Futrell; her brother Richard Sutton; and sisters, Neva Sutton Darling, Betty Marie Sutton Moore, and Dottie Sutton Harston.