Obituaries

Kenneth Wayne Barton, 65, of Homerville, died on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at his residence surrounded by his family. He was born on May 1, 1960, in Winnfield, LA, to the late Samuel Clayton and Billie Nell Calhoun Barton. Kenneth grew up working with his daddy, grandpa and uncles in the woods and was driving log trucks by the age of 14. He became a truck driver for Walmart in 1998, earning the distinction of 2.7 million safe miles during his 28 year career. He was known by many names, such as Cajun, Cajun Baby, Pretty Baby, Papa Cajun, Rueben and Cajun Bacon. He was also known as the Golden Nephew among his cousins and aunts in LA. Kenneth loved the Lord, LSU sports, enjoyed hunting, and loved spending time with his family, friends and fur babies. In the early 1970s, he, along with several of his friends, founded the now famous Atlanta Fish Fry in Winn Parish, LA. He also took great pride in designing commemorative coffee cups for the annual event.

Jane Claborn Purser, a cornerstone of the Winnfield community, transitioned to her eternal home on March 28, 2026. Her 92 years were a profound testament to the biblical call to love one’s neighbor, defined by a life of quiet grace, unwavering faith, and a tireless commitment to serving others.

Presence and Service

Jane’s civic leadership was not merely a duty but an extension of her Christian walk. For 56 years, she served the Rotary Club of Winnfield, embodying the motto of “Service Above Self” through a lens of faith. Her devotion was most visible at the Winn Community Food Pantry, where she spent her retirement years as the hands and feet of Jesus, ensuring her neighbors were nourished in both body and spirit.

Ellen Kay Higgs, age 57, of Winnfield, Louisiana, passed away on January 8, 2026 at Winn Parish Medical Center with loved ones at her side. She was born in Warren, Arkansas, and spent her life bringing warmth, love, and kindness to everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Ellen was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Alvie Eugene Martin and Patricia Ellen Thurmon; her sister, Brooke Davis; and her cherished daughter, McKenzie Higgs.

She is survived by her fiancé, Richard Walton; her son, Tyler Hayes (Caitlin); and her treasured grandchildren, Jayden, Scarlett, Brooks, Tucker, and Whitlee Kay, who were the light of her life. She is also survived by her sister, Amy Hooter (Brad); sister in law, Lucille Sharbono; nephews, Dalton Harger, Cody Maloy, and Hunter Maloy; nieces, Brooklyn Harger and Hanna Williams; life long friend, Gena Sullivan; and her beloved fur babies, Roman and Caesar, who were constant companions and a source of joy.

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