We wish to formally notify our community that Lelia Mae Battise, a much-loved member of our family, passed away in the comfort of her home on Wednesday, December 08th, 2021. Lelia lived each day of her 75 years, showering unconditional love into every single member of her family as well as the many friends she considered to be family. If the Creator's purpose for us is to learn, be, and give love, our Lelia was the perfection of that lesson entirely.

She was born in Elton, Louisiana, and has spent her entire life there, actively contributing to the growth and happiness of her family and community. Lelia earned her degree from a nearby vocational school and became a certified receptionist while raising her five children, Craig, Candace, Jason (all deceased), Carla and Jarrod. Before retiring just last year, she worked for the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana for nearly 20 years.

Outside, Lelia would care for her plants or watch purple martins fly into their birdhouses. Inside, she could be found cooking for her entire family on Sundays and nearly every holiday. Reading, putting puzzles together, and shopping were some of her favorite pastimes. Lelia was frequently seen shopping at Wal-Mart, and her relatives lovingly teased her, saying she should have her own parking spot by now. Among her proudest skills and legacy was continuing the tradition of making our treasured Coushatta pine needle baskets.

Truly always making everyone laugh and smile, Lelia's departure from this world will be greatly missed as a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, and faithful friend. We will forever love and remember her.

Those left to cherish her memory include one daughter, Carla Thompson of Iowa, LA; one son, Jarrod Thompson & wife, Darla, of Elton, LA; one brother, Donald Obe  and wife, Anna Lou, of Livingston, TX; 16 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.

Lelia is preceded in death by her parents, Boston and Minnie Obe; her husband, Dennis Morgan Battise; two sons, Jonathan Craig Thompson and Jason Carey Battise; and one daughter, Candace Renee Guidry.

Lelia's family will hold a funeral ceremony at the Indian Bible Church in Elton, Louisiana, on Sunday, December 12th at 2:00 p.m. The visitation will begin at 9 a.m. at Ardoin/Allen Parish Funeral Home of Elton and is open to friends and extended family.   Burial will follow immediately after the service at St. Peter's Cemetery.

The outpouring of love and support from our dear friends and community has humbled and honored our family. It is an appropriate tribute to Lelia, who had a generous heart for everyone she knew.