Leona Russell Marshall

Funeral services for Mrs. Leona Russell Marshall will be 10:30 am Friday, August 24, 2012 in the chapel of Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Memory Lawn Cemetery of Natchitoches. The family will receive friends from 9:30 am until service time on Friday at the funeral home. Mrs. Marshall, 99 and a resident of Natchitoches, died Monday, August 20, 2012 at the Courtyard of Natchitoches, where she was surrounded by loving care. She was preceded in death by her husband, M.B. Marshall; her parents, John F. Russell and Ada Gallien Russell; sister, Mazzie Buchanan and a nephew, John Rocky McLaughlin. She is survived by sisters, Adabell LaCaze, Iris Ballard and Joan Sadie Davis; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Mrs. Marshall lived life to the fullest, always dressed to a “T” and ready to go wherever. She and her husband were well traveled and lived in Washington D.C., Virginia and New Orleans for many years before deciding to return and retire in Natchitoches. Mrs. Marshall, or Aunt Leona, as she was lovingly called by nieces, nephews and many others; loved to entertain with family dinners, dinner parties and impromptu gatherings. During her life, she assisted her Daddy in running the farm and ranch business by coming home during crop and calving times. She also was known for raising and bottling red pepper which was sold throughout the south. She loved fishing, traveling, music, the color red and cutting grass on her lawnmower. She met many people who became her friend after they assisted in pulling her lawnmower out of the ditch in her front yard. She was always well dressed whether cutting grass or sharing lunch with her sisters, a favorite event she loved. She was a trusted ear for nieces and nephews and offered advice when needed and was the inspiration for many adventures throughout their youth. Aunt Leona was a true Southern Lady who believed life was meant to be lived and enjoyed by all. She will be cherished and missed by her family and friends. The family is grateful to Dr. John Hogg, Natchitoches Hospice, and the staff of The Courtyard for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Natchitoches Hospice or St. Jude’s Children Hospital may be made in Leona Marshall’s name.