Obituaries

It is with great sadness that the family of Monty Raymond Lenard announce his passing after a lengthy illness. Mr. Lenard passed away on Friday, April 19, 2019, at the age of 74. Mr. Lenard will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Vera Slipchenko Lenard and his children: Dean Lenard, Christy Bekhit, Penny Ferguson, and Amy Lenard. Mr. Lenard will be greatly missed by his five grandchildren, Abby Ferguson, Mariah Lenard, Amber Lenard, Hunter Lenard, Emily Goodson, and two great grandchildren. Mr. Lenard was predeceased in death by his mother, Mrs. Annie Mae Lisenbia Lenard; father, Mr. James E. Lenard; brothers, Rodney Lenard and Dwight Lenard all of Winnfield, Louisiana.

Ms. Ethel Lea Peters, age 91 of Calvin passed from this life on Wednesday, April 17, 2019. She was preceded in death by her parents Ike Peters and Laura Stein-Peters; brother Doyle Peters and sister Virginia Peters-Provence. Those left to cherish her memory are her brother, Don Peters and wife Evelyn; nephew Tommy Provence and wife Sharon; niece Stephanie Grice and husband Paul and their children Katelyn and Nathan Grice; niece Donna Taylor; niece Debi Nelson; nephew Scott Peters; niece Laura Ellen Garner; niece Pam Lloreda; and niece Ramona Christiansen. She was also survived by numerous other great nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Clara Luther, 80, of Mabank, TX, entered eternal rest on Sunday, April 7, 2019, at Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital, Arlington, TX.

She was a retired nurse and an avid reader, who also enjoyed plants and crafts. She was of the Baptist faith and a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, who will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

She is preceded in death by: Her parents- Robert and Mae Morrison, Her husband- Alfred David “A.D.” Luther, One son-David Luther, and One granddaughter- Rusty Sturgen.

Melba Jane Bradford Little, age 81, of Winnfield, Louisiana, passed away April 18, 2019, at home surrounded by her family.

Funeral services were held Monday, April 22, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. at Southern Funeral Home, with Rev. Steven Smithson and Rev. John Holland officiating. Interment followed at Oak Grove Cemetery in Rhinehart, LA.

Mrs. Little was dedicated to her family, friends, and students. She was born in Rochelle, LA, on May 18, 1937. She graduated from Georgetown High School, received a Bachelor’s Degree from Louisiana Tech University, and Master’s Degree from Northwestern State University. After moving to Winnfield in 1968, she and husband Ray joined First Baptist Church. She taught English at Winnfield Senior High School for 30 years, leading the department to outstanding achievements. Her love of teaching, the knowledge she imparted to her students, and her standard of excellence is her legacy.

Mr. Johnnie “Buddy” Canerday, age 85 from Calvin, Louisiana passed away Tuesday, April 16,2019.

Mr. Canerday served in the National Guard for 4 years active and then began working at Calvin High School as custodian, while he remained active in the reserve for 4 more years. He became a part of Calvin High School for many years where he was known and loved by many. He loved to hunt and fish with his many friends. He never met a stranger. His was very kind man that loved people, animals and the outdoors. He was a jack of all trades to say the least.

A carpenter, mechanic, plumber just to name a few. There was nothing that he could not do. Always there to help whoever was in need. He loved to play dominoes and cards with his friends. And usually spent most of his time sitting outside at the local store in Calvin. Everyone that knew him loved him and will cherish his memory forever in their hearts.

Mr. Carroll Gardner Hicks, age 89 of Winnfield, Louisiana passed away on Friday, April 12, 2019.

Born Tuesday, March 11, 1930 in Cotton Valley, Louisiana, he was a 33rd degree Master Mason, was a retired mail carrier with the US Postal Service having 35 years of service, and was a Corporal in the US Army during the Korean conflict.

Mr. Hicks was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Elsie Hicks; wife and the mother of his children, Marglo Gorham Hicks; son, Jimmy M. Hicks; siblings, Fred Hicks, Joy Hicks Miller and Mary Hicks Miller; daughter-in-law, Ann Hicks.

Those left to cherish memory include his wife, Doretha Hyde Hicks; daughters, Debbie Hicks Fullerton and Denise Hicks Beavers (Martin); step-daughters, Pam James (Leroy) and Missy Hyman; step-son, Stacy Walker; sister, Patricia Ann Keiffer; 9 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and 1 greatgreat grandchild, special niece and nephew, Lee Ann and Chip; and his special family member, “Little Bit”.

Mr. Warren Clinton Ferrier, age 89 of Montgomery, Louisiana passed away on Saturday, April 13, 2019.

Born Monday, June 3, 1929 in Montgomery, Louisiana, he was preceded in death by his parents, Clestine Maude Roberts Ferrier and Floyd W. Ferrier; daughter, Deana Ferrier; grandchildren, Angela Lang, Jonathan Lang, and Stacy Vollm; brothers, Loyd, Lawrence, Bain, James, Bryan and Alfous Ferrier; sisters, Nora Lee Ferrier Simmons and Ora Ferrier Dubois; and son-in-law, Larry Berry.

Mrs. Vara (Ferguson) Smith died on April 13, 2019 at the age of 101, to have her resurrected life now in Eternity. She was born on August 24, 1917 of parents Carrie and Gus Ferguson of Atlanta, La. and was the second eldest of seven children.

Mom married J.P. Smith on September 20, 1941 and was widowed when Dad died after only 22 years of marriage. Together they had three children, Goldaree (Robert) Sommerville; Rodger (Marilyn) Smith and Rayburn (Emily) Smith. Mom took great pride and joy in her 9 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband (‘Smith”), November 22, 1963; her parents Gus and Carrie Ferguson, her four brothers and two sisters and their spouses.

Mr. Roger G. Smith, age 68 of Winnfield, Louisiana passed away on Wednesday, April 3, 2019.

Born Monday, January 1, 1951 in Alexandria, Louisiana, he was preceded in death by his parents, Versie Rolllins Smith and Harold Smith; grandparents, Will and Mary Rollins; and daughter, Annie Goodwin.

Mr. Smith was retired from the Winn Parish Police Jury as an equipment operator after 17 years of service. He also worked many years in the forest industry. Mr. Roger loved the outdoors and had many hobbies such as fishing, hunting, and gardening. You could always find Mr. Roger in his shop building many different pieces of furniture. Most of all, he loved sharing time with his family. He also enjoyed attending First Baptist Church of Winnfield.

Jerry Finn (Catfish), age 61, passed away February 22, 2019 at his residence in Dodson, LA. He was receded in death by his maternal grandparents Earnest and Maggie Brewer, his paternal grandparents Elliot and Susie Finn, his parents Billy and Doris Finn and one sister, Gail Sharbono. Those left to cherish his memory are a son Billy Finn and four sisters, Dale Burnett (Ray) of Sikes, LA, Billie Barton of Jonesboro, LA, Brenda Finn and Betty Hudson (Randy) of Winnfield, LA and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. Being cremated, a memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2-19 at 3:00 p.m. at the New Home Cemetery in Gaars Mill, LA.