Elton-A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Laura Bell Ballou Leonard Welch, 92, at 10 a.m. on June 1, 2015 at St. Paul Catholic Church. Rev. Babasino Fernandez and Deacon John Eaves will officiate. Burial will follow in St. Paul Cemetery under the direction of Ardoin Funeral Home.
The family will receive visitors at Ardoin Funeral Home of Elton on Sunday, May 31, 2015 from 3-9 p.m. with a rosary being prayed at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will continue at the funeral home on Monday morning from 8 a.m. until time of service.
Laura was a resident of Elton for most of her life. She was a devoted wife to her first husband, George, for 53 years prior to his passing. She was later married to her second husband, Herbert, for 5 years prior to his death. Laura was also a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and great-great grandmother. She was a lifelong member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and was a member of the Ladies Altar Society. She also served the Elton community as a police juror. She owned "The Smoke House" meat market in Elton for many years, as well. She liked gardening and especially loved to dance. Laura also cherished the time spent with her family. She will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Those left to mourn her loss include her daughter, Rosa Velazquez of Hinesville, GA; her two brothers, Jessie Ballou and wife, Hilda, of Albuquerque, NM and James Ballou and wife, Jacqueline, of Renton, WA; three daughters-in-law, Annie Leonard of Elton, Earline Leonard of Kinder, and Pamela Leonard of Jennings; 29 grandchildren; 91 great grandchildren; and, 71 great-great grandchildren.
Laura is preceded in death by her first husband, George Leonard, Sr.; second husband, Herbert Welch; three sons, John and Bruce Leonard, and George Leonard, Jr.; and four sisters, Lillian, Willie Mae, Eliza Mary, and Gertrude Ballou.
Words of comfort may be sent to the family at www.ardoinfuneralhome.com