Ada Belle Russell LaCaze

Ada Belle Russell McLaughlin LaCaze passed away at the Courtyard in Natchitoches on Monday, June 22, 2015 at 91 years of age after a lengthy illness. Ada Belle was born July 17, 1923 in Natchitoches to John Franklin Russell and Ada Gallien Russell. She was the third of five daughters born to John and Ada Russell. She attended St. Mary’s Academy in Natchitoches and later worked for the telephone company and as a bookkeeper in Norfolk, Virginia. Ada Belle was a homemaker and loving Mother to her four children along with always being there for her parents and sisters. Family came first with her. She instilled that love of family in her children as well as a love for reading and adventure. In addition to ensuring a religious background for her children she taught them to respect others and always lend a hand to those in need. She had a love for fashion and design always sewing for her girls. In addition she loved family gatherings always having everyone’s favorite food waiting for them. She is survived by her children. Mary McLaughlin Fosson of Natchitoches, Louie Larue LaCaze and wife Rosemary of Abbeville, La., and Anna Lee LaCaze Smith and husband Gordon of Colfax, La., Grandchildren, Brandy LaCaze, Derek LaCaze , Dusty LaCaze and Stacy Rathburn Brimer and four Great-Grandchildren. Also one sister Joan Russell Davis of Houston, Texas. She was preceded in death by her parents in addition to her sisters, Leona Russell Marshall of Natchitoches, Mazzie Russell Buchanan of Dallas, Texas, and Iris Russell Ballard of Natchitoches and a beloved son John Rocky McLaughlin and son-in-law Roger Fosson, Jr. Special thanks are also given to Clem Mitchell and Margaret Williams who cared for Mother in the last few weeks of life in addition to the staff of the Courtyard, Natchitoches Regional Medical Center and Hospice of Natchitoches. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2015 at the First United Methodist Church - Crossroads Sanctuary at 10:30 AM. Ada Belle made a decision many years ago to donate her body to LSU Medical School in hopes of being used for medical research and training of future physicians. Her family has honored that request. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Natchitoches or the Alzheimer’s Association or charity of your choice.