Obituaries

Vivian Dale Smith Taylor, age 95, of Sikes, Louisiana, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at Christus Highland Medical Center in Shreveport, Louisiana. She was born on Sunday, December 30, 1928, in Sikes, Louisiana, to Eugene and Maggie Parker Smith. Vivian was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Ruth Smith James and Bonnie Smith Hubbard, and her brother-in-law, Charlie James.

Left to cherish her memory are her devoted daughter, Virginia Beth Parker, and husband Mickey; one grandchild, Kresi, four great-grandchildren, Todd, Micheal, Kaylee, and Caiden; four greatgreat- grandchildren, Easton, Kane, Keaton, and Logun; and brother- in-law Percy Hubbard.

Mrs. Ruth Nolan Ingles, age 81, of Dodson, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 22, 2024. She was born on Tuesday, June 23, 1942, in Saint Joseph, Louisiana, to the late Norval S. Noland and Norma T. Washer Noland Buchan. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Todd Ingles; cherished grandson Barry Thornton; sister, Patsy Jones; step-father, Roy Buchan; and stepmother, Evelyn Noland.

Mrs. Ruth dedicated a significant part of her life to the culinary arts, serving as the manager of KFC in Winnfield. Later, she devoted 18 years as a dedicated dietician at Parkview before retiring. She was a faithful member of Welcome Home Baptist Church, where her strong sense of community and love for family were evident.

Joy Bell Norris Mercer, age 86, of the Colgrade Community in Winn Parish, entered eternity on February 22, 2024 following a brief illness.

Born February 14, 1938 in Sikes, Louisiana to George and Myrtle Norris, Joy Bell will be lovingly remembered by her family and friends.

Joy Bell married the love of her life, Pen, on August 28, 1953 and was married for 53 years before his passing.

Mr. John Paul Luther, of Maybank, Texas passed from this life in the early hours of Sunday, January 14, 2024. John P. as he as known to many, was born in Jonesboro, Louisiana on April l2, 1957 to Alfred D Luther and Clara V Luther of Winnfield.

He married Judy Blake on March 14, 1981. In Oct. 1989 the couple relocated to Mabank, Texas where they resided until his death.

He was an avid reader, liked to work on vehicles and collected various glass decanturs.

J P is survived by his wife Judy, sons Charles “Chuck” Luther of Baton Rouge, LA, James Robert Luther and wife Kristin of Mabank, TX, Travis N Luther of Arlington, TX and daughter Michelle Dyer of Witchita, Kansas, brothers Travis A Luther and wife Paula of Pollock, LA and Dennis Luther and wife Cyndy of Arlington, TX and sisters Elaine Nugent and husband Charles of Georgetown, LA and Linda Carreno of Pollock, LA, five grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Velma “Tina” E. Gold, age 70, a native of Winnfield, La. and resident of Houma, La., passed away on Sunday, February 18, 2024.

Tina is survived by her son, Billy Burrow; her daughter, Jenny Parker; her step-daughters, Mina Mullins Foster and Susan Oyler; her grandchildren, Justin Crowson, Nathan Parker, Anel Burrow, Sophie Parker, Cale Parker, Amanda Foster, Jacob Mullins, Kalec Cumbie, Audrey Bailey, and Stephen Burrow; her brothers, John Files and Charlie Files; her sisters, Lizz Von Segan and Edith Rose; and her beloved service dog, Adele.

Tina was preceded in passing by her husband, William Gold and her brother, Jesse Files.

Rita Elaine Spillers Lord, age 79, passed from this life on January 30, 2024 in Beaumont, TX. She was born December 10, 1944 in Chicago, IL.

Rita Lord was preced-Weidner Percell Spillers, mother Clara Ruth Gangeness Spillers, sisters Helen Spillers and Beverly Phipps and Bob, and one niece, Rebecca Phipps.

She is survived by one son-Thomas Preseton Anders of Call, TX; three daughters- Cheree Cullins of Doylina, LA, Holly Renee Davis of Bossier City, LA and Patricia Deanna Hale of Kirbyville, TX; two brothers- Dr. William P. Spillers of Shreveport, LA and Allen Ray Spillers of Dallas, TX; grandchildren – Brandon Williams, Sydni Keene, Chase Peveto, Katy Peveto, Abigail Anderson, Joshua Hale and Cameron Anderson; great grandchildren-Kylie Williams, Junior Williams, Ivory Watts and Olivia Keene.

A memorial service was held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 3, 2024 at Camp Freedom, Jasper, TX with Marty Herrington officiating.

Celebration Service & Repast for Pastor Gloria Hall will be held February 3, 2024 at 1 p.m. at the Winnfield Senior High School Auditorium. The Repast will be held in the school cafeteria.

Patsy Faye Heflin McManus, age 88 of Atlanta, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 11, 2023 at Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital in Alexandria, Louisiana.

Pat was born on December 4th, 1935 in Leton, Louisiana to Sam C. Heflin and Nettie Lucille Lee. She was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Elizabeth Anne “Becky” McManus; and her husband, Lt. Col. Ray V. McManus, USAF. She is survived by her sister, Marie Reeves; her brother, Talmadge Heflin; daughter, Patti Otto-DeGrendel (Ray); her son, William McManus (Rae); her grandchildren, Robert Otremba (Sonia), Patricia “Trish” Otremba (Mike), and Meredith McManus; and a great-granddaughter, Addison “Addy” Otremba.

As a military wife, Pat led an active and adventurous life with her family. She traveled across America and was a pillar of strength for her family, while her husband was deployed in Vietnam. Entertaining loved

Mr. Rodney Kent Alderman of Winnfield, Louisiana passed from this life on December 23, 2023 at the age of 73 years. He was born on June 7, 1950 to the union of Cecil Curtis and Helen Marie Kelly Alderman, affectionately known as “Pete”.

Mr. Rodney was preceded in death by his loving parents, Cecil Curtis and Helen Marie Kelly Alderman; sister, Barbara Alderman; nephew, Michael Lindsey.

Those left to love and cherish his memory are his daughter, Kristen Baudoin; three grandsons, Tyler Hennigan, Caleb Baudoin, and Dylan Schrimpf; one sister, Cecile Alderman; Ginger Alderman Liles, the mother of his only child; nieces, Lisa Steward, and Helen Graham.

James Evans

We just wanted to take a moment and express to you how truly grateful we were for all your help and support during the illness and loss of James Evans. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. Much appreciation for letting us know that we were not alone during that time.

Love, Carolyn Evans and family.