Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home

04/13/2026

Samuel Edward Parker

Samuel Edward “Sam” Parker passed peacefully from this life at his home in Natchitoches on Friday, April 10, 2026, after a long illness.Sam’s life was a joyful example of great love of family, of boundless good humor, of the excitement of knowledge and learning, and of an endless curiosity and zest for living. He was born on August 21, 1937, in a small cabin on Snake Ridge, near Mangham, LA. He was the second of four children of Willie Harold “W.H.” Parker and Gladys Wilma (Tarver) Parker. The Parkers lived in and around Mangham until Sam was in the tenth grade, when his parents moved him and his younger brother, Glenn, and his sister Donna to West Texas, looking for better opportunities and better schools for the children, with older brother Barney staying with family in Mangham to finish his senior year. W.H. worked as a roughneck in the Permian Basin oil fields around Midland and Odessa, and Gladys ultimately became cafeteria manager at Midland’s Goddard Junior High School.Sam enrolled in Midland High School, where he made lifelong friends such as S***t Harris, Ken Keener, and Harold Gregory, and where he met his beloved wife, Dorothy “Dot” Hopkins. It was while he was enrolled at Midland High that Sam got an after-school job at the Western Clinic and found the second great love of his life – medical technology. After graduating in 1955, Sam joined the Marine Corps, serving in San Diego, CA; Yuma, AZ, and Mojave, CA, leaving the service after four years with the rank of Staff Sergeant.Sam moved back to Midland to marry his sweetheart, Dot, and to take up a job as an x-ray tech while earning his Associate’s Degree at Odessa College, becoming the first person in both the Parker and Tarver families to go to college. In 1960, he and Dot moved to the Big Bend country of Alpine, Texas, where Sam ran the x-ray department and the lab at Brewster County Hospital. The couple welcomed their son, Greg, in February of 1963.Shortly after Greg was born, the family moved back to the flatlands of Lamesa, Texas, so Sam could take a job in the x-ray department and lab at Dawson County Hospital. The birth of their daughter, Laurie, in the fall of 1966 completed the family.While living in Lamesa, Sam was initiated as a Mason. He also used the skills he had learned as a radio operator in the Marine Corps to get his amateur radio license. Ham radio became a life-long interest for Sam, an interest later shared by Greg. Both of Sam’s children have early memories of sitting with their Dad as he spoke with fellow ham operators around the world, in such exotic locales as Japan, Norfolk Island, and Europe.Encouraged by his friend Dr. Howard Hancock to finish his college education, Sam moved the family to Lubbock in 1969, where he worked full-time in the blood bank and lab at Memorial Hospital while also attending Texas Tech University full-time, earning a Bachelors Degree in Microbiology and a Masters Degree in Business Administration.Wanting to get away from the dust of West Texas and home to the green of Louisiana, Sam, Dot and their kids moved to Laplace in 1972, where Sam began his new career as a sales representative for hospital supply companies, including Scientific Products, Dade, Lederle, and Fisher Scientifics. The couple moved their family to Baton Rouge in 1977 so Greg and Laurie could attend better schools and enjoy more opportunities, just as Sam's own parents had done for Sam and his siblings in moving them to Midland.Sam was instrumental in the drive to expand programs for Gifted and Talented students in East Baton Rouge Parish. It was through his diligent lobbying that the full-time gifted program in the parish was expanded into middle school, and it was his work that helped plant the seeds for the establishment of The Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts here in Natchitoches.Once both children had completed college (Greg at LSU and Laurie at the University of Texas at Austin), Sam felt free to pursue another goal: becoming a private business owner. He was able to combine his love of medical technology with his MBA training when he and Dot purchased Natchitoches Diagnostic Laboratory in 1988. Sam enjoyed working hands-on in the lab, and Dot was his office manager. Two of the lab employees, Tracy Dickson and Sadie London, become family friends. Sam opened a second business venture, Superior Car Wash and Quick L**e, with his friend Earl Alexander, eventually selling his interest to Earl.In the mid-1990s, after Greg got his pilot’s license, he took his father flying and sparked a new passion for flight in Sam. Sam loved flying his Cessnas and sharing his love of flying with Greg and with his friends James Maxey, Buddy Prince, Dean Lemoine, Jack McCain and others. He would often allow student pilots to use his planes for their lessons and flight exams, and he was always thrilled when the students earned their wings. Sam also served aviation for several years as a member of the Natchitoches Airport Commission.After retiring from the lab, Sam worked as a consultant, advising medical and diagnostic laboratories across North and Central Louisiana on laboratory management and government compliance. When Sam was in his early 80s, he was asked to come out of retirement to run the laboratory at Natchitoches Regional Medical Center, where he served as the lab manager for three years before retiring for good.Sam and Dot enjoyed travelling together, venturing in their RV to Colorado, Tennessee, North Carolina, Florida, Pennsylvania, and New England, on into Canada all the way to Nova Scotia. Sam, Dot and Laurie also travelled together through England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland in the fall of 1997.Sam will also be remembered for his love of bluegrass and traditional country music, his love for dogs (especially his sweet dog, Sallie, named after the bluegrass standard “Sallie Gooden” by Eck Robertson), and for his kindness and generosity. He is survived by his wife of nearly 67 years, Dot (Hopkins) Parker of Natchitoches; his son, Greg Edward Parker (Ashley) of Denham Springs. LA; his daughter, Laurie Parker Griffey (John) of Thompson’s Station, TN; and his four grandchildren, Jackson Cameron Parker of Nashville, TN; Olivia Scott Parker of Denham Springs, LA; Jane Ashley Parker of Denham Springs, LA; and Samuel John Griffey of Thompson’s Station, TN. Also surviving him are his brothers, Barney Harold Parker (Pauline) of Colorado Springs, CO, and Glenn Dale Parker (Laureen) of Austin, TX; and his sister, Donna Marie Parker of Waynesville, NC; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. He is predeceased by his father, Willie Harold Parker, and his mother, Gladys Wilma (Tarver) Parker.Dot, Greg, and Laurie wish to extend their deepest appreciation to the wonderful ladies who helped care for Sam in the last months of his life: Letreice Rachal- Beasley, Audra D Edney, Regina Minette, and Gloria Winslow. The family will be forever grateful for the compassion and care these kind ladies showed to Sam and the family. They also thank Glenn and Laureen Parker for all the time and love they so generously gave Sam and Dot over the past few years.Visitation will take place at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home, 848 Keyser Ave., in Natchitoches, LA, on Monday, April 13, from 5:30 to 7 :30 p.m. and again on Tuesday, April 14, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., with the funeral to follow at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Sam’s memory to the First Baptist Church of Natchitoches.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers include Greg Parker, John Griffey, Jack Parker, Sam Griffey, Glenn Parker, and Sheldon Parker.

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04/13/2026

Jeremy Nicholas Trichel

Jeremy Nicholas Trichel, known by many as Nick, passed away on April 9, 2026, leaving behind a legacy marked by kindness and an unwavering love for his family. Born on August 20, 1979, Jeremy was a man whose heart was as vast as the joys he found in everyday life.

Nick possessed a photographic memory, especially when it came to sports statistics, movie lines, and song lyrics—a talent that fascinated those around him. His passion for all things loud was well known; from the roaring pipes of trucks to the electrifying beats of rock music, he embraced the sounds that energized his spirit. One of his greatest enthusiasms was LSU Football, a love that reflected his spirited and devoted nature.

Above all, Nick’s greatest treasure on earth was his children. He is survived by his cherished children: Colby Trichel and his fiancée Samantha Jett, Kennedie Cassidy, and Clara Isabelle Trichel, whom he lovingly called Toot. His devotion to them was evident in every aspect of his life. His children were his greatest treasure on earth but because he was rooted in his relationship with his Lord and Savior we know he has earned his treasure in heaven.

Nick is also survived by his devoted parents, Dewayne and Clare Trichel, and his grandparents Dewey and Mary Trichel, who surely hold a special place in his memory. His loving siblings, Dana Johnson and her husband Justin, and Daniel Trichel and his wife Sarah Broadway Trichel, stand alongside him in both family and memory. The warmth of his extended family is reflected in his aunts and uncles — Anthony Trichel, Kevin Trichel and his wife Tammy Jo, Vince Trichel and his wife Donna, Tonya Wynn and her husband John, Lu Anne Prudhomme Terry, Angela Prudhomme Taylor and Lee Prudhomme Vickers. His nieces and nephews, of whom he was so proud, Andrew and Archer Johnson and Alden and Brynlee Trichel, as well as numerous cousins and countless friends, all carry forward the impact of his generous and heartfelt presence.

Nick was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, John and Maxine Prudhomme and his uncles Joey Prudhomme and Johnny Prudhomme whose memories he held dear.

A visitation to honor Nick's life will be held on Thursday April 16, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home, located at 848 Keyser Avenue in Natchitoches, Louisiana. The funeral service will follow on April 17, 2026, starting at 11:00 a.m. at Blanchard-St. Denis. Burial will follow at Trichel Cemetery also known as Clear Lake Cemetery near Goldonna, Louisiana. Those honored to serve as pallbearers include Evan Dunn, Brady Gildon, Chris Berry, Jackie Colston, Cody Fredieu, and John Wynn. Honorary pallbearers will be Jerry Goff, Garrick Vercher, and Mikie Williams.

Jeremy Nicholas Trichel was a man who gave freely of himself, a friend to many, and above all a father whose love was immense. His passing is deeply mourned, yet the memories of his kindness, spirited toughness, and love remain indelible in the hearts of those who knew him.

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04/10/2026

Clifton Hugh Smith, Jr.

Clifton Hugh Smith, Jr., a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 9, 2026, at his residence in Natchitoches, Louisiana, with his family by his side. Born on December 18, 1942, in Winnsboro, Louisiana, Clif lived a life marked by love and dedication for his family and friends.

A graduate of Winnsboro High School, Clif enjoyed playing both football and basketball during his school years. His passion for sports continued throughout his life, where he was a devoted fan of Louisiana State University (LSU) athletics, rooting enthusiastically for all their teams.

Clif’s journey brought him to Natchitoches in 1975 when Westerncraft established operations in the area the previous year. It was here that he and his family made their home, embracing the community and its people. Known for his warm heart and kindness, Clif, though modest in stature, was renowned for the immense love, comradery and friendship he extended to everyone he met.

He shared a lifelong bond with his wife, Pam Paola Smith, whom he met as grade school sweethearts back in seventh grade. Their marriage spanned an impressive 63 years, a testament to their enduring commitment and devotion. Together, they raised a family that included children Hugh Smith (Debbie), Melissa Smith (Chris), and Greg Smith (Tammy). Clif took great pride and joy in his grandchildren Hugh Teter, Emma Teter, Adam Teter, Chance Russell (Fylisha), Erin Russell (Kelsey), Taylor Smith (Derek), and Neil Smith (Kayce), as well as his great-grandchildren Talyn, Jaycie, Charle, Scarlett, and Klay. His sister, Sherman Anne McDaniels (Mike), along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends, will carry forward his memory with great affection.

Outside of family and sports, Clif found pleasure in fishing, golf, and sharing a cold beer with loved ones. He was also fondly remembered for his smooth moves on the dance floor, a delightful trait that brought smiles and laughter to those fortunate enough to dance beside him.

Clif was preceded in death by his parents, Clifton H. Smith, Sr. and Clarice Burns Smith, as well as his step-father, D.V. O'Neal. His legacy of love, kindness, and spirited enthusiasm for life will remain deeply cherished by all who knew him.

A time to reflect on a life well lived will be held from 1 pm until 3 pm on Saturday April 11, 2026 at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home. A Catholic Vigil service will be held at 2 pm in the funeral home chapel.

As we remember Clif, we honor a life well-lived — a man whose heart was as full as the love he shared, and whose presence enriched the lives of his family and friends immeasurably. May his memory be a blessing to all who loved him.

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04/10/2026

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04/09/2026

Rita Bulluss Philopena

Rita Bulluss Philopena, 87 of Natchitoches, LA, passed away on Monday, March 9,2026, at her home in Natchitoches. She was born on Sunday, October 2, 1938 in New London, CT, to her parents James William Bulluss and Frances McGrath. Rita graduated from Norwhich Free Academy in 1956. She retired from AT&T after 25 years of service, Rita always loved traveling, so after retirement from AT&T she did lots of it and went to many places. Her greatest hobby was sewing, she loved every aspect of it and was known to have magical fingers when it came to yarning and needle work. Other hobbies of Rita's included golf, bowling, and cake baking.

She is preceded in death by her parents, daughter Teresa Gustafson, and 2 brothers. Left to cherish her memory are her 2 sons James and Richard Philopena, 6 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren. She will be missed dearly by all who knew her.

Graveside services will be held in Connecticut at a later date.

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04/08/2026

Jeanora Marie Manuel Walker

Jeanora Marie Manuel Walker, a cherished mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, passed away peacefully on March 14, 2026, in Natchitoches, LA, surrounded by her loving family. Born on November 23, 1939, in Ville Platte, LA, Jeanora lived a life marked by steadfast faith, unwavering family devotion, and deep respect for the cultural values that shaped her upbringing in South Central Louisiana.

Jeanora dedicated over 20 years of her life to serving the Pinecrest Developmental Center in Pineville, LA, where she retired after a career marked by compassion and commitment. Known for her selflessness, she touched countless lives through her work and her unfailing kindness. Her personality was deeply rooted in the traditions and customs of her heritage, where faith and family were most important. She was a woman who embraced these values fully, and her life was a testament to their power and significance.

Family was at the heart of Jeanora’s world. She treasured the love, laughter, and togetherness spent with her loved ones, especially during holidays when she delighted in the warmth and joy of those gatherings.

Jeanora is survived by her sons Rickey Bryant and wife Lisa, Neal Bryant and wife Pam, Mark Bryant and wife Karen, and Billy Kimball and wife Shelbi; her beloved daughters Judy Bridges and Brenda Starks and husband John. Her enduring legacy lives on through her many grandchildren: Rachel Corona (Phil), Megan Viator (Ross), Benjamin Bridges, Jordan Matarahi (Manny), Victoria Bryant, Rikki Bryant, Ethan Starks, Ellie Chesser (Jared), Blake Bryant (Le’hya), Kasey Kimball (Craig), Aly Havard (Trey), Alli Maier, Christopher Douglas, Paige Douglas, Luke Douglas, Colby Kimball, and Hannah Kimball. She also leaves behind numerous great-grandchildren who will carry forward her spirit and love.

Jeanora was preceded in death by her parents, Austin Manuel and Ella Fontenot Manuel, whose legacy she honored throughout her life; her sister Amelia Guillory, and her son-in-law Ben Bridges. Their memories remain an integral part of her story and the family she so deeply loved.

Her passing marks the end of a remarkable life that was lived with grace, dignity, and an unyielding commitment to those she loved. Jeanora’s faith and family were her guiding lights, and she leaves behind a rich heritage of love, service, and cultural pride. She will be remembered not only for her selflessness and kindness but for being a steadfast pillar of strength and warmth in the lives of all who knew her. As Jeanora Marie Manuel enters eternal rest, her family cherishes the time they shared with her, grateful for the example she set and the love she freely gave.

A graveside inurnment service will be held at 10 am on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at Old Ville Platte Cemetery.

The family wishes to extend their sincere appreciation to her care giver Cindy Myers, the staff at Natchitoches Regional Medical Center and LA Extended Care Hospital for the compassion and care shown to our Mother.

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04/08/2026

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04/06/2026

Samuel Jay Goodwin

Samuel Jay Goodwin, known to many simply as “Coach,” passed from this life on March 20, 2026, at the age of 82. Born on January 20, 1944, Sam lived a life marked by purpose, perseverance, and a deep investment in people.

A Memorial Service honoring Coach Sam Goodwin will be held April 25, 2026 at 10AM at NSU Turpin Stadium. Attire: Casual Northwestern State University clothing is encouraged.

Coach Sam was preceded in death by his father, James Willard Goodwin; his mother, Gail Goodwin Bolton; and his brothers, Jim Goodwin and John Goodwin. He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Janet Robins Goodwin, with whom he shared 32 meaningful years of marriage. Together, they built a life rooted in family and community, including impactful years at Northwestern State University where they were both deeply loved and respected.

Sam is survived by his devoted wife of 25 years, Kimberlyn Felknor Goodwin, who was a faithful partner and constant source of love and support throughout the later years of his life.

He is also survived by his brothers, Dr. Michael Goodwin (Dana) of Ashland, Kentucky, and Stan Goodwin (Pam) of McKinney, Texas.

Sam and Janet raised three children: Robbie Lynn Goodwin (Gene) of Charleston, South Carolina; Angelia Diane George (David) of Acworth, Georgia; and Samuel Jay Goodwin Jr. (Rachel) of Paris, Kentucky. He was a proud grandfather to Samuel Ryne Hutchinson (Taylor), David James Hutchinson (Alysa), Janet Caelynn “Jaycee” Goodwin, Jaydyn Lynn Goodwin, Jaylynn Dakota Goodwin, Cam’Ron Lawrence Goodwin, Brandon George, and Jette Thomas. His legacy continues through his great-grandchildren: Kaia Hutchinson, Gianna Hutchinson, Oliver and Doli Hutchinson, Tristan Kade George, and a multitude of nieces and nephews.

Through his marriage to Kim, Sam was blessed with a larger family whom he loved as his own. He is survived by Timothy Austin Harris, James Taylor Harris (Kelli), Robert Dillon Harris (Kristen), and Tiffany Kaitlyn Webb (Dylan), all of Natchitoches, Louisiana. He cherished his role as “Coach” and grandfather to their children: Layla, Ella, Amelie, Vivienne, Gabe, Michael, Violet, James, Noah, Stevie, Henry, Rosie, Nora, and Salem.

A native of Pineville, Louisiana, Sam developed an early love for athletics and competition. As a young man, he overcame adversity, including returning from a broken ankle his Junior year, to help lead his high school team to a state championship. That determination became a defining characteristic of his life.

He continued his athletic career at Henderson State University, where he excelled as a two-sport athlete in football and track. A team captain, NAIA All-American, and conference champion in discus, Sam set records and earned recognition as one of the most accomplished student-athletes of his era. He was later named to the AIC All-Decade Team and inducted into the Henderson State Hall of Honor, achievements that reflected both his talent and his relentless work ethic.

Coach Goodwin’s legacy in football is both remarkable and far-reaching. He was the winningest head coach in Northwestern State University history, leading the Demons for 17 seasons (1983–1999) and building one of the most successful eras the program has ever known. His teams captured multiple conference championships and made deep playoff runs, including a semifinal appearance in 1998. Over his career, he coached 38 players who went on to the NFL and countless others who carried his lessons far beyond the field.

His coaching journey also included impactful time at the University of Arkansas, Southern Arkansas University, and a storied high school career highlighted by five state championships at Parkview High School in Little Rock. Even in later years, he continued to pour into young athletes as a head coach at DeQueen High School and Alexandria Senior High School and assistant coach at several high schools, never losing his passion for the game or for mentoring others.

Beyond coaching, Sam served as Athletic Director at Henderson State University from 2000 to 2010, where his leadership helped shape championship programs and lasting success across multiple sports.

His contributions to athletics were recognized with numerous honors, including induction into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame, Southland Conference Hall of Honor, Northwestern State University Hall of Fame, Henderson State Hall of Honor, and the Arkansas High School Coaches Hall of Fame.

He was a faithful member of Freedom Life Church and a strong supporter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at Northwestern State University. He had a deep love for the program being built at Freedom Life Academy, where an annual honor, the “Sam Goodwin Award” is presented to the best overall athlete, reflecting the excellence, character, and leadership he valued so deeply.

Yet, for all his accolades, those who knew him best will remember something deeper. Coach Goodwin was a builder of people. He led with integrity, discipline, and heart. He believed in others, often before they believed in themselves, and his influence extended far beyond wins and championships. His former players, colleagues, and friends carry forward the values, commitment, character, and perseverance he lived out in front of them.

To his family, he was steady, loving, and present. To his players, he was demanding but deeply invested. To his community, he was a pillar whose impact will not fade.

Coach Sam Goodwin leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured solely in records or titles, but in the lives he shaped, the relationships he built, and the example he set. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

In lieu of flowers, Coach Goodwin's family requests that donations in his honor be made to the "Demons Unlimited Foundation/Sam Goodwin Fund" (Athletic Fieldhouse, Natchitoches, LA 71497). The Goodwin family is in discussions with the NSU Athletic Department to develop a plan to designate these funds for a football related initiative. An announcement will be forthcoming.

Donations may also be made to a scholarship created in his honor, the Coach Sam Goodwin Scholarship at Freedom Life Academy. https://flcpeople.churchcenter.com/giving/to/sam-goodwin-fla-memorial-fund

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04/05/2026

Wishing you and your loved ones a blesses Easter.

04/02/2026

Kaylie Elizabeth Hughes

With hearts forever changed, yet trusting in God’s promise of eternal life, we share the passing of Kaylie Hughes, age 17, on March 30, 2026. She was born on April 27, 2008, in Natchitoches, Louisiana, to her loving parents, Nicholas and Kylie Hughes.From the very beginning of her journey, Kaylie faced cancer with strength and grace, inspiring all who knew her. Even in the hardest moments, her light never dimmed, reminding everyone to hold onto hope and trust in God’s plan.Kaylie was so much more than her illness. She was a bright and beautiful soul who loved to laugh, sing, and dream. She found joy in life’s simple blessings—a favorite song, playing games, spending time with loved ones and her beloved dogs, Tank and Alani. Her smile could light up a room, and her spirit brought comfort and warmth to everyone she met.She is lovingly remembered by her parents, Nicholas and Kylie Hughes; her brother, Ty Hughes; her grandparents, Sam Hughes, Becky Roque, and David and Kathy Rushing; her uncles, Mike (Amy) Hughes, and Kirk (Jessica) Hughes; her aunts, Melissa Coutee and A.J. Hughes; and many cousins, extended family and dear friends who became like family.Though our hearts long for more time, we take comfort knowing Kaylie is now at peace in the presence of our Lord. Her life, though far too brief, was filled with love and purpose. She taught us to trust more deeply, love more fully, and cherish each day as a gift from God.“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.” – Proverbs 31:25Kaylie leaves a legacy of faith, courage, love, and light that will never fade.Service will be Saturday, April 4, 2026 at Calvary Baptist Church in Natchitoches, LA at 3pm. The family will have visitation 1-3pm. Burial will follow afterwards at gravesite at church.Those honored to be pallbearers are: Nick Hughes, Mike Hughes, Kirk Hughes, David Rushing, Dennis Basco, and Gary Ashley. Honorary Pallbearer will be her little brother Ty Hughes.The family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Brown, Kristen, and the devoted nurses and physical therapists at Texas Children’s Hospital and MD Anderson Cancer Center, along with Houston Hospice, for their compassionate care and support.

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04/01/2026

Linda Wright Callia

Linda Wright Callia was born on February 26, 1944, in Fair Hope, Alabama to Fred and LaMerle Waldon Wright. She passed away peacefully on April 1, 2026, in Marthaville, Louisiana, surrounded by her loving family. Her departure marks the end of a remarkable life, one filled with devotion to her family and a legacy cherished by all who knew her.

She was married to her beloved husband, Samuel J. Callia, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her parents and her fur baby Charlie

Linda is survived by her two devoted daughters, Angela Callia Grant and her husband James and Julie Callia. Her legacy extends through her cherished grandchildren: Christian Procell (Skylar), Hayden Procell, Alexis Procell (Cody Hamous), Callie Grant White (Brandon), and Katherine Grant; her great-grandchildren, Jett Brooks Hamous and Ashton Andrew White; sister Judy Wright Dowden (Jim) and her brother Kenneth Wright.

In honoring her wishes to be cremated, a memorial service will be held at 3:30 pm on Friday April 3, 2026 at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home. Inurnment will follow the memorial service at Fern Park Cemetery in Natchitoches. The family will receive friends on Thursday April 2, 2026 from 5:30 pm until 7:30 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home.

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04/01/2026

Glenda Claire Salard

Glenda Claire Salard, passed away peacefully on March 28, 2026, in Chopin, Louisiana. Born on September 14, 1948, Glenda lived a life defined by compassion, faith, and an unwavering dedication to those she loved.

Glenda’s career as a nurse was marked by her exceptional kindness and deep commitment to helping others. For many years, she served selflessly, offering comfort and care to people in need. Her gentle spirit and sweet nature left a lasting impression on colleagues and patients alike, embodying the true essence of compassion.

Her deep faith in God was a cornerstone of her life, providing strength and grace through all seasons. This spiritual foundation inspired her personal warmth and the nurturing love she shared so freely.

At home, Glenda was cherished for her devotion to family. She found immense joy in spending time with her sons, Stacey Coffman and wife Tina, and Eric Coffman. She was affectionately known as Nan to her grandchildren Maddox Coffman, Coty Coffman, Caitlan DeLacerda and husband Justin, Adrianna Slaughter and husband Nate, Taylor Baker and husband Brandon, Brian Banks, Garrison Coffman, and Grayson Ryan and wife Erika. Her love extended warmly to her great-grandchildren Parker and Jase DeLacerda, Millie Slaughter, Layla Baker, Liam and Sophie Banks, and Oliver and Bruce Ryan. She treasured family moments, especially preparing holiday meals and enjoying meals out—particularly seafood—with her loved ones, were among her most joyful memories.

Glenda’s siblings, Gerald Salard and wife Carol, Marlyn and David, and Rodney Salard and wife Delinda, along with numerous nieces and nephews, also carry forward her legacy of kindness.

Her life was marked not only by family and faith but also by her love of gardening, tending to her flowerbeds with care and delight. She found joy in dancing and listening to music, expressions of the vibrant and lively spirit that was uniquely hers.

Glenda was preceded in death by her parents, Annie and James Salard, and her aunt and best friend Bernice Pardee, who held a special place in her heart.

Glenda's legacy is one of love, faith, and kindness—a true testament to a life well-lived. She will be profoundly missed by all who knew her, yet her spirit endures, blooming eternally in the hearts of her family and friends.

A service to honor her life will be held at 1 pm on Friday, April 3, 2026 at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches, LA. Burial will follow at Rachal Cemetery in the Marco Community. The family will receive friends from 11 am until service time on the 3rd at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home. Those honored to serve as pallbearers include Belton Gagnard, Jared Salard, Blaise Salard, Slaide Salard, Bubba Brossette, and Chance Evans. Honorary pallbearers will be Parker DeLacerda, Jase DeLarcerda, Nathaniel Brossett, Cody Carpenter, and Gunner Spillers.

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