Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home

02/23/2026

John Scott Sr.

A funeral mass for John Thomas Scott, Sr. of Natchitoches, Louisiana will be held on Wednesday, the 25th of February 2026 at 11:00 am at the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Natchitoches with Father Irion St. Romain as the celebrant, Father Louis Sklar as the homilist and co-celebrant, and Father William “Bill” Gearheard as a co-celebrant. Interment will follow at Memory Lawn Cemetery, Natchitoches. Mr. Scott, age 70, was born on the 22nd of January 1956 in Natchitoches, Louisiana to Thomas Calvert Scott and Violet Elsie Elizabeth Thurston Scott, raised in Natchitoches, and passed away on the 17th of February 2026 in his family home next to his wife of 48 years.

Mr. Scott was an alumnus of St. Mary’s School 1974, a graduate of Northwestern State University 1977, and received his Juris Doctorate of Law from Louisiana State University in 1984. Within that time, he married his wife Sue in 1977 and had two of his three children. In 1985, they relocated to Ouachita Parish where he would live about half his life, have his son, and touch the lives of numerous people. One of his passions was the servitude of others and he led by example. He became a member of the Rotary Club of West Monroe in 1987, where he served as President. In 1991, he became a very active and participating parent with the Indian Aquatic Club, where he also served as president. John started his lifetime journey with the Knights of Columbus in 1986, mainly within the Msgr. NF Vandegaer Council #3642 (3rd Degree) of West Monroe, where he was a former Grand Knight, Pope John XXIII Assembly #2077 (4th Degree) as a Faithful Navigator, the Council #1357 of Natchitoches, and the Assembly #2078 (4th Degree) as a Sir Knight. Later in life, he became a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church. Mr. Scott was a Catholic religion teacher, an assistant coach for the powerlifting team, a beacon of guiding light for the students of St. Mary’s School, an avid helper of Father Bill, and a good friend of Father Irion. John was always proud of his children, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He loved being a Paka (Papa Buck) to his grandchildren and Uncle Buck to his nieces and nephews. His family always came a close second following God. He was a lover of outdoor sports, especially deer hunting and fishing. There was hardly a time that you would see John without a twinkle in his eye, leaving you wondering what he was going to be up to next. He was a wonderful storyteller and enjoyed portraying Santa Claus. He will always be remembered for his legendary jokes or one of his many pearls of wisdom.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws Theodore and Dorothy Marie Stroud, and his nephew, Jeremy Stroud.

Survived by his wife of 48 years, Dorothy “Sue” Stroud Scott; his children, Elizabeth C. Scott Parker and husband Jonathan Parker of Monroe, LA, Mary C. Scott and husband Hiro Johnson of Virginia Beach, VA, and John T. Scott, Jr. and wife Christina Scott of East Greenbush, NY; grandchildren Isabella Camacho, Brooke Parker; Chloe, Kai, and Thurston Johnson; Eva Csaszar, Chance, Lane, and Beau Scott; step-mother Adele Lattier Scott; sisters Lisa S. Mitchell and husband Doug “JR”, Donna S. Plunkett and husband Tommy; brother Micheal C. Scott and wife Karen; step-siblings Jodi S. Jinks and husband Tommy, Molly S. Giering and husband Greg, and David Sibley and wife Robin; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, and in-laws.

Pallbearers will be John T. Scott, Jr., Jonathan Parker, Jason Hayden, Kyle Scott, Thomas Plunkett IV, and Austin Scott; Honorary pallbearers will be Hiro Johnson, Micheal Scott, Doug “JR” Mitchell, Thomas Plunkett III, David Sibley, Greg Giering, Triston Mitchell, Jaxon Hayden, Matthew Giering, Ronnie Dowden, Pat Jones, Henry Rachal, Lynwood “Woody” Delphin, and all members of the Knights of Columbus.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, the 24th of February 2026 from 4:30 pm until 7:30 pm at Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home. The recitation of the Holy Rosary will begin at 7:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the John T. Scott, Sr. memorial scholarship fund at St. Mary’s School, 1101 East Fifth Street, Natchitoches, LA 71457.

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02/22/2026

Kenneth James Otto

Heaven gained another angel February 19, 2026 when Kenneth James Otto, 87 years old of Natchitoches, Louisiana was welcomed into eternal rest. He was born on July 3rd,1938 as the first of two sons to Irene and Clemons Otto in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Where he resided until 1999 when he and his wife ,Carol moved to Natchitoches. Ken loved to go fishing, was an avid bowler, loved being in the yard and doing fun things with family and friends. He also found his garden to be his pride and joy as he enjoyed it so much.

He leaves behind his wife CarolAnn,of 66 years , daughter Sandra Page, husband Tim, daughter Susan Otto, and 6 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Sheri Rychlowski, grandson James Page and great granddaughter Marisa Otto.Time of viewing will be at Christ the King Lutheran Church on Royal Street, at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, March 1st with a service to follow.

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02/21/2026

Darryl Milner

Service for Mr. Darryl Milner will be held on Saturday February 28, 2026 at 12pm at Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home.

Darryl was born on April 13th, 1963 in Boulder, Colorado to Sherrill and Betty Milner of Natchitoches, Louisiana. Darryl leaves his Mother, Betty Milner of Natchitoches, his 2 children, Chandra (husband James) Whittle of Las Vegas, Nevada, Matthew Milner of Eugene Oregon, Sister, Paula (husband John) of Natchitoches Louisiana, Niece, Angelique Milner of Thousand Oaks, California, and Great niece, Kylie Milner of Las Vegas, Nevada.

Darryl is preceded in death by his Father Sherrill Milner, Brother Mark Milner, and Nephew Bert Jarvis.

Darryl grew up in Southern California, graduated from Los Angeles Baptist High School and after marriage moved to Bend Oregon, then on to Salem where he worked for Oregon State Department of Revenue.

Darryl loved his family and was devoted to his children. As a young man he loved surfing, and he also loved to golf. He was the 2025 Senior Champion of the City Amateur Golf tournament in Salem. His other loves were fishing, as he took yearly trips with friends. He was an avid gardener, who strived to have the most beautiful yard in the neighborhood. He would do anything for anyone who asked and was loved by all in every facet of life.

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02/21/2026

Betty Lou Conant

The world grew a little quieter on February 16, 2026, as Betty Lou Conant, 87, of Natchez, Louisiana, was welcomed into eternal rest. Born on January 27, 1939, as the second of six children to Joseph A. Jones and Rosalie Chelette Jones, Betty was lovingly raised in the Cane River community, where faith, family, and tradition shaped the foundation of her life.

Except for a short stay in Chicago, Illinois, Betty lived most of her adult life in Natchitoches, Louisiana, eventually returning “home” to spend her later years enjoying the charm of Cane River and the simplicity of country living and front-porch conversations. A devoted wife of 48 years, proud mother, grandmother, cousin, and friend, she held fast to the Southern hospitality and strong family values instilled in her from an early age. While she worked a few jobs along the way, her true life’s calling was homemaking – creating a warm, welcoming home - and managing the family’s rental properties with a balance of compassion and firm boundaries.

Betty never met a stranger. The combination of her curiosity about others, quick wit, ability to ask just the right questions to “read you like a book”, unfiltered responses, and cherubic smile made people feel right at home. Whether she was tending to her garden to share the fruits of her labor, preparing a hot meal on the stove, offering a fresh cup of coffee, or passing along the latest community news, her genuine nurturing spirit left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

With steadfast faith, she was an active member of St. Augustine Catholic Church in Isle Brevelle, LA and St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Natchitoches, LA, also serving as a 20-year member of the Confraternity of Christian Mothers.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph A. Jones and Rosalie Chelette Jones; her brother, Robert Leslie Jones; her husband, Peter “Ed” Conant; and her son, Ronald Roque, Sr.

Left to treasure her memories are her siblings, Joseph W. Jones (Melanie) of Houston, TX, Patricia Simpson (the late Darnell Simpson), Steven Jones (Nora), Victoria Conant (James) all of Natchez, LA; devoted children, Sylvester Roque (Kim) of Natchitoches, LA; Greg Conant (Coretta) of Pearland, TX; and John Conant (Sabrina) of Shreveport, LA; her beloved grandchildren, Laniesha Winslow (Greg), April Conant, Trinity Conant, Raven Roque, and Ronald Roque, Jr.; her great-grandchildren, Levar Toussain, Jr., Marlesha Paige, Millyan Pikes, and Gracelynn Winslow; and great-great grandchild, Liyanna Toussain. She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and lifelong friends whose lives she touched in countless and meaningful ways.

Funeral services for Betty will be held on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 11:00 AM at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Isle Brevelle, LA. The family will receive family and friends for visitation beginning at 9:30 AM with a recitation of the Rosary at 10:30 AM. Interment will be held at St. Augustine Catholic Church Cemetery and will be immediately followed by a repast at St. Augustine Catholic Church Hall.

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02/19/2026

Dorothy Jane Carney

Funeral services for Dorothy “Dot” Carney will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 10 AM at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home with Bro. Brian Ray officiating. Burial will follow at Memory Lawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends for a visitation on Friday, February 20, 2026 from 5 PM until 9 PM at the funeral home.

Dorothy “Dot” Jane Collins Carney, 85, of Natchitoches, LA, went to her heavenly home on February 18, 2026 at the Courtyard of Natchitoches. Dot was born on August 19, 1940 in Natchitoches to Rhese Collins and Genevieve Moreland Collins.

She is survived by her children, Debbie Crowder (Steve) of Lafayette and Johnny Carney (Sharon) of Powhattan; her grandchildren, Eryn Spears (Luke) of Natchitoches, Derek Maggio (Kelsie) of Pineville, Johnny “Trey” Carney (Meagan) of Natchitoches, and James Carney (Alecia) of Natchitoches; great-grandchildren, Emmitt Maggio, Rosalie Maggio, Anna Maggio, Wrenley Carney, Huxton Carney, Emersyn Carney, and Reese Carney; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 30 years, Johnny R. Carney, Sr.; her parents, Rhese and Genevieve Collins; and her sister, Catherine Selinka.

She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Natchitoches and also a member of the Natchitoches Women’s Bowling Association of Natchitoches. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Dot was known as “Nanny” to all of us and she will be remembered by those she worked with for 24 years at Walmart as “the friendly cashier that liked to talk!” Those that took care of her over the few years she was at Natchitoches Courtyard said she “is the sweetest.”

The family wishes to thank Dr. Mary Long and Dr. Christopher Ingram for their care of our mother all these years; Natchitoches Courtyard for their love and care for “Miss Dot”; Hand In Hand Hospice for all of their help with the transition and compassion they have shown us during this difficult time; and her honorary granddaughter, Carrie Maggio, who also took care of our Nanny and cooked for her as well.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers will be Johnny Carney, Jr., Johnny Carney, III “Trey), James T. Carney, Derek C. Maggio, Luke Spears, and Sammy Leone. Honorary pallbearers will be Huxton Briggs Carney, Emmitt Joseph Maggio, and all of her Walmart Natchitoches Family, that she loved so dearly.

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02/18/2026

We want to recognize the caregivers who show up every day with patience, strength, and compassion — offering comfort in the hardest moments and love in the smallest details.

To every caregiver: thank you for all you do.
You make a difference more than you know.

02/17/2026

Wishing everyone a safe and happy Mardi Gras!

02/16/2026

Emily Gillock

Emily June Gillock, born September 15, 1939, in Marthaville, Louisiana, passed away peacefully in Marthaville, Louisiana, on Friday, February 13, 2026, with two of her three sons at her side.

Emily was born and raised in Marthaville, where she spent her childhood developing a strong sense of independence and an adventurous spirit. She loved to explore the woods as a child and never grew out of that spirit of adventure. As both a child and an adult, Emily was known for her curiosity, courage, and willingness to embrace new experiences. Emily moved away from Marthaville after high school to pursue her dreams, then returned to Marthaville in 2000, where she has resided ever since. Her years away helped shape the person she became but her bond with her hometown remained strong and enduring.

Emily was preceded in death by her beloved husband of thirty-three years, William Gillock; her parents, Emma Alice Parent and Frank Herbert Parent; and her brother, Herbert Parent, who died as an infant. She is survived by her sons, Franklin Fertitta, Chris Fertitta, and Robert Rutledge; her stepson, William Gillock, Jr.; her grandchildren, Lindsay, Michael, Emily, Addie, Nicholas, Sidney, Bayley, Madison, Brooklyn, Arslan, Emily, and Naya; great-grandchildren, Margot, Mary, Wrenley, Josie, Kohen, and Austin; along with many family members and friends who will forever cherish her memory.

She will be remembered for her adventurous and kind nature, her resilience and strength, and her deep connection to home and community. Emily’s life reflected growth, determination, strength, as well as the lasting importance of roots.

The family would like to THANK ALL of the WONDERFUL ladies of Hospice of Natchitoches for the INCREDIBLE level of love, support, and care, shown not to just our mom, but to me and my older brother, Frank. Y’all are our heroes.

A memorial service to honor the life of Emily will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 3pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home. The family will receive friends for a visitation at the funeral home beginning at 2pm.

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02/16/2026

Some love stays with us forever.
And what we’ve shared deeply can never be lost, it becomes part of who we are.

If you’re missing someone today, may their memory bring you comfort in quiet ways.

02/14/2026

Have a happy Valentine's Day!

02/13/2026

James Troy Hoob

Funeral services for James Troy Hoob will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home at 1:00 PM with Rev. Jeff Stroud officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Zion Cemetery in Montgomery, LA. The family will receive friends on Saturday morning from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM at the funeral home.

Troy was born on December 17, 1949, in Natchitoches, LA, to Walter and Helen Davis Hoob. He was preceded in death by his parents; his grandparents, Alvin and Cleola Davis; a sister, Vernell Ferrier; two nephews, Timothy Ferrier and Marlon Ferrier; and a niece, Jerrilynn Himes.

He is survived by his sister, Linda Mitchell; a nephew, Richard D. Nugent; and two nieces, Lydia D. Huckaby and Brandi Warren (Daniel). He is also survived by his extended family: Melba Stroud Wilson; her sons, Riley Wilson (Tonya) and Bobby Wilson of Alabama; her daughter, Georgia Garcie (Joey) of Stonewall; 12 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren, all of whom loved their Papa Troy very much; and his best friend, Steve Stroud.

Troy was one of a kind. He was big, strong, and burly, with a heart of pure gold, and he dedicated himself to his family and friends. He loved and was loved. He was carefree and enjoyed life, and it showed through his unforgettable laugh. When asked how he was doing, his reply would be, “Cool and groovy.”

From the time he was young, he enjoyed working on vehicles. He was a “master bicycle mechanic” at age 10 and then went on to motor vehicles. He could make anything run — and run fast. He was also a skilled body man and could do a beautiful paint job. If he said he could do something, he could — and he would. He especially enjoyed his years of riding Harleys.

Troy graduated from Montgomery High School in 1968. After graduation, he pursued an Associate of Applied Science degree in Drafting. He had a lifelong career as a journeyman contractor, framer, and superintendent in Ohio, Tennessee, and Louisiana.

Troy loved Jesus and knew his Bible. He would often say, “The Bible says…” and then quote Scripture and verse, applying it to the conversation.

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02/12/2026

Shirley Ruth Neal

Funeral Services for Shirley Neal will be held at 2 pm on Monday, February 16, 2026 at Crossroads Baptist Church with Bro. Dean Crittenden and Bro. Joe Hayes officiating. Burial to follow at Beulah Cemetery near Marthaville, LA. The family will receive friends from 12 noon until 2 pm on Monday the 16th at Crossroads Baptist Church located at 131 Crossroads Church Rd. Marthaville, LA 71450.

Shirley Ruth Neal (Townsend), 81, of Marthaville, LA, went to her heavenly home on February 11, 2026, in Natchitoches, LA, after a short illness.

Shirley was born on December 21, 1944, in Marthaville, LA. She was the fifth child of Jess & Odell Strebeck Townsend. She lived in the same sweet town most of her life. She was a loving mother who raised three children & cared for many nieces & nephews. She worked at Sunbeam in Coushatta for many years until its closure. She also worked for Alliance in Natchitoches.

Shirley is survived by her children, son Nathan Neal & wife Pam of Ruston, son Lloyd Neal of Marthaville, and her only daughter Debbie Neal of Marthaville. She gladfully accepted the role as legal guardian for her nephew Larry Carr and her niece Joy Brown during their formative years.

Also left to cherish her memory are her siblings. Her brothers include Dwight Townsend & wife Millie of Evans, GA, Floyd Townsend & wife Mattie of Marthaville, LA, Danny Townsend & wife Brenda of Zwolle-Marthaville, LA. Her sisters include Cynthia Withers & husband Herbert of Marthaville, LA, Brenda Carr & husband Larry (also nephew) of Natchitoches, her sister-in-law Frances Townsend (wife of Jesse Townsend) of Lake Jackson, TX. Also, a host of nieces & nephews.

Shirley is preceded in death by her loving husband James Neal. Her parents, Jess & Odell Townsend. Her brother Gerald Townsend & wife Ella Dee, her brother Jesse Townsend, & her sister Barbara Birdwell & husband G.W., her nieces Joy Brown (who she raised as her daughter) Angie Carr, Samantha Poole; and her nephews Ryan Dean Birdwell and Roger Townsend.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers will be Jeff Chambers, Rodney Townsend, Tommy Birdwell, Wayde Townsend, Dale Carr, and Joseph Brown. Her nephews and great nephews will be honorary pallbearers.

Special thank you for your prayers. Thank you to our family members & friends who have been beside us during this sad time. Also, thank you to the Natchitoches Hospital ICU nurses who provided special care to Shirley, as well as her family. God Bless.

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