Janell H. deVargas

Janell Harkins deVargas, of Natchitoches, Louisiana passed away after a lengthy illness on September 8, 2012. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in Natchitoches on September 10, 2012 at 11:00 am. at the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Church with the Reverend Louis Sklar officiating. Interment will follow at the Catholic Cemetery under the direction of Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am. at the church and the recitation of the Holy Rosary will be just prior to the Mass. Mrs. deVargas was born on June 26, 1936 in Natchitoches, Louisiana. She graduated from Mansfield High School and received her degree in education from Northwestern State University. She taught elementary education in Shreveport, Louisiana prior to her employment with the State of Louisiana Office of Family Services. She later worked with her husband in the family owned ready-mix concrete business, Acme Cement Products Co., for 40 years until her retirement in 2002. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother and grandmother. Her true passion was her family and grandchildren. She and her husband enjoyed traveling and spending time with their close friends. She loved and cherished them dearly. A devout Catholic, Janell was a member of the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Church serving on the Catholic Daughters of America, Altar's Society and Vocations Club. She taught religion for many years at St. Mary's School, was a member of the Service League of Natchitoches, Chapter AP of the P.E.O. Sisterhood and People's Bank Women's Auxiliary Board and the Natchitoches Film Commission. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 49 years Richard M. deVargas, her loving parents Lilly R. Harkins and Joseph E. Harkins, sister Mary Jo Harkins Merriman and brother Jerry Harkins. She is survived by her sons Richard E. deVargas and wife Amy and Christopher A. deVargas all of Natchitoches; brother Gary J. Harkins of Brandon, MS; grandchildren, Elizabeth Kate deVargas and Will deVargas of Natchitoches; and a host of nieces of nephews. Those honored to serve as pallbearers will be Eddie Ahrens, Ed Dranguet, Joe Harkins, Josh Harkins, Mike Hayes, Rick Hudson, Louis Lowrey, and Burton Weaver. Honorary pallbearers will be Joe Bienvenu, Russel Bienvenu, and Gary Casemore. The family would like to express a special thank you to Wanda Sykes, Gloria Beasant, Essie Triggs, Donald Triggs, Sandra Hayes, Cathy Chester, Weezie Harkins, Tim Key, the staff at Hospice of Natchitoches, Dr. Jack Fair, Dr. Stephen Wheat, Dr. Steven Kautz, Dr. Gary Booker and staff, and Nanette Bienvenu and the staff of the Courtyard of Natchitoches. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Catholic Charities or St. Mary's School.