Obituaries

9/04/42 – 4/15/24 Patsy Jean Roath, 81, passed away peacefully following a lengthy battle with cancer in the early morning hours of Monday, April 15, 2024. She was born in Urania, Louisiana on September 4, 1942, the eldest child of Grace Callender Wilson and Thomas J. Wilson. Pat was a child of Christ, daughter, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, manager, and athlete with a keen competitive streak. Pat attended LaSalle High School where she was a star athlete. Pat married the love of her life, Arthur Otto Roath, on April 24, 1959, at the age of sixteen. She began her career in food service in the Rapides Parish School System, becoming an excellent baker of yeast rolls, cinnamon rolls, hamburger buns and biscuits. Pat relocated to Mansfield, Louisiana with her husband, Art, with the startup of the International Paper mill.

Nicolas Ray Melancon, 46, of Grand Cane, passed away peacefully on April 3, 2024 after a brief illness.

Born on March 28, 1978 in Marrero, LA, Nic, as he was known to his friends and family, was passionate about computers and technology, and enjoyed a career in IT.

Nic was particularly proud of his sobriety, and he touched the lives of many others who struggled with addiction.

He is survived by his parents, Willie and Sandra Melancon, as well as his brother, Josh Melancon, and numerous other family members and close friends.

It is with a heavy heart that the Louisiana Wildlife Agency Association announces the passing of LDWF Agent Zachary Funderburk. Zachary passed away from an off duty accident. He was born and raised in Bossier Parish. He served in our Region 1 Enforcement office and patrolled Red River Parish. He will be greatly missed by all. He was an exemplary public servant and looked out for the citizens of Louisiana. He made a significant impact in his community. Our condolences go out to his family, friends, and coworkers. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

7/25/41 – 3/01/24

Rachel Symanthia Creech Wilson, 82, passed away peacefully on March 1, 2024 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born on July 25, 1941 in the Bethel Community to Floyd and Minnie Bolton Skinner Creech.

As Rachel would say, “she spent her entire life in the suburbs of Funston.” She attended Grand Cane School before marrying the love her life, Edgar Wilson, on October 10, 1958. Rachel then transferred to Joaquin High School graduating with the class of 1959. Seven years, six months, and four days later, she welcomed her beloved daughter, Lisa Darlene “Teet,” into the world. Rachel found immense joy in being a devoted housewife, mother and grandmother. She loved her job as a housewife and carried out all of her housewife duties until her final days. Her favorite past time was bossing everyone around. And in true Rachel fashion she loved her emojis.

Kathryn Elizabeth Bell, 81, of Mansfield, LA, passed away to eternal rest on March 1, 2024, after a long illness. She was born on September 5, 1942, in Corpus Christi, and raised in the small south Texas town of Raymondville.

She will be missed by her husband, Samie Don Bell; her daughters, Tami Bell Seago and Jeanie Bell Bacon; her son, John Wesley Bell; her grandchildren, Cody Seago, Elizabeth Seago, Kenny Bacon, and Mariah Bryan; and five great-grandchildren. Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, Ike and Nell Graham; her infant son, Baby Bell; and her sisters, Shirley Mullins and Barbara Marsh.

Kathy was a devoted wife and mother who found beauty in everything. She had a passion for photography, painting and enjoying nature.

Funeral services celebrating the life of Bertha Stevens was held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, February 25, 2024, at Blue Ridge Methodist Church, 3500 Hwy 175, Pleasant Hill, Louisiana. Officiating the service was Bro. David Hall and Bro. Glynn Howard. Interment followed at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Pleasant Hill, Louisiana. Visitation was held Sunday, from 12:00 p.m. until the time of service at the church.

Bertha was born April 27, 1936, in Pelican, Louisiana to Maye Baker and Jack Fisher. She entered into rest on Thursday, February 22, 2024, in Bossier City, Louisiana.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Maye Baker and Jack Fisher; first husband, Willie Cobbs; second husband, Dalton Stevens; son, Gary Cobbs; sisters, Jackie Smith, Joyce Whatley; grandsons, T-Bo Cobbs, Sammy Cobbs, and Ty Cobbs; and son-in-law, Mark Austin.

Natalie Brown Gates Burr, 96 went to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, where she was reunited with family and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, March 1, 2024, at Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Chapel, 943 Polk Street, Mansfield, Louisiana. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 1, 2024, from noon until time of service at Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Funeral Home. Brother Ricky McDonald will be officiating with Brother Tommy Patton assisting. Interment for family and friends will follow at the Mitchell Cemetery, Sistrunk Loop, Mitchell, Louisiana.

Cheryl Kim Smith, 66, of Mansfield, Louisiana passed away on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, surrounded by her children. Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 18, 2024, at Calvary Baptist Church in Carmel, Louisiana with Bro. David Thompson officiating. Burial followed in Sloan Cemetery, Carmel, Louisiana. The family received friends on Saturday, February 17, 2024, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Funeral Home Chapel, 943 Polk St. Mansfield, Louisiana.

She was born October 29, 1957, to Lynn and Marie Lewis. Kim loved her grandbabies and spoiled them often and enjoyed watching all her boys play ball. She also loved going to the lake and fishing every chance she got. She also loved taking her “road trips”.

On February 12, the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Department paused to remember Dy. Donna Richardson- Below, a precious life that was taken all too soon, just four years ago today. DPSO’s thoughts remain with her friends, family, and coworkers who miss her dearly, with her infectious smile and welcoming soul.

KEITH ALAN ANDERSON

1/08/75 – 2/01/24

Keith Alan Anderson, 49, of Logansport, La, passed away Thursday, February 1, 2024, in Shreveport LA. Keith was born in Slidell, LA on January 8, 1975. Visitation was held at Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Mansfield, LA on Tuesday February 6th, 2024 at 1:00 p.m., with services at 2:00 p.m. Burial followed at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Stanley. Bro. Rusty Hall officiated.

Keith graduated from Logansport High School in 1994. Following graduation, Keith enlisted in the Army and served as a tank mechanic. He returned home and worked in the family business, Anderson Feed and also worked as a dredge operator for DT Midstream.

Keith loved his children Emilee and Lane! He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and raising a garden to share vegetables with his neighbors and friends.