Patrick Irvin Ashcraft
May 6, 1950 – December 28, 2025
Patrick Irving Ashcraft, age 75, passed away Sunday, December 28, 2025, at 10:11 AM in the ICU in Ruston, Louisiana. Pat was born May 6th, 1950, in Ruston, La, to Garland (GC) and Bernice (Potts) Ashcraft. Pat graduated from Jonesboro-Hodge High School (JHHS) in 1968 and attended LA Tech for a short time.
Pat worked various jobs until he started at Great Plains Bag Mill in Hodge, Louisiana. He attended E&I classes and later transferred to the E&I department. Pat’s career at the papermill consisted of 50-plus years. He retired in 2020 to enjoy life with friends and family and to do whatever he wanted to do, and that’s just what he did.
He endured several health issues from 2017 till his death. During his years, he also served in the Louisiana National Guard up to the rank of Captain. He retired with 13 and a half years of service. Pat frequently mentioned his trip to Germany with his unit. Pat loved to fish, hunt, and ride his Harley when he could. Since his retirement, he frequently babysat and watched multiple western films. Pat was blessed with a house full of friends and family in and out.
Pat is preceded in death by his dad and mother, GC and Bernice Ashcraft, and infant sister, Lucy Renee Ashcraft, In-laws Ted and Artie Alford, and brother-in-law, Delane Alford.
Pat is survived by his wife, Irma Ashcraft, of 53 years. Along with:
Sons & their wives:
-Alan Ashcraft & Blair
-Wade Ashcraft & Leslie
-Timothy Ashcraft & Ricki
-Preston Ashcraft & Ashleigh
Grandkids:
-Emily Ashcraft & Leighton Ferrington
-Hanna Ashcraft
-Alex Ashcraft
-Thomas Ashcraft
-Ethen Ashcraft & Sara Hanson
-Alaina Ashcraft & Dakota Knox
-Mallorie Ashcraft & Houston Cox
-Rayven Ashcraft
-Drake Ashcraft
Great Grandkids:
-Kenlee Ashcraft
-Jaxx Ferrington
Extended Family:
-Damien Ezell
-Jeanie Ezell
-Wilda Dahl
-Virginia & Ronny Self (And Families)
-Hannah Marie Lee
-Cindy Crawford
-Oleta Blackstock
And a host of other Families and Friends
Following the visitation, Pat’s Life Celebration service was held at the Paradise Funeral Home Chapel on Friday, January 2nd. Interment followed in the Gayla Traina Cemetery in Jonesboro, LA.
Patrick Dale Richie
July 1, 1952 – December 29, 2025
Patrick Dale Richie, age 73 of Chatham, was called home on Monday, December 29, 2025. Patrick was beloved in his hometown of Chatham. He was very involved in his community and enjoyed making many, many friends. He could always be seen out visiting in town or handing out programs before church services.
Patrick loved many activities, such as watching his favorite shows on television or listening to recorded music. He was born to the blessed union of Ura “Mike” Washington and Mildred Richie on July 1, 1952. He was the youngest of four boys.
His favorite thing was to learn as much about Native American Heritage as he could. He enjoyed collecting dream catchers, books, and jewelry, and he had gained quite an extensive collection over the years. He frequently attended pow-wows. He enjoyed the traditional dancing, singing, and drumming of the festive gatherings. He always loved going with his good friend, Tony Truelove, to participate in the festivities.
Those left to cherish his memory are his brothers, John N. Richie, Jimmy “Jim” Don Richie, and wife, Suzie; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and many friends. Patrick is preceded in death by his parents, Ura Washington and Mildred Aline (Pruitt) Richie, brother, Ronnie Richie; sister in law, Julia Richie.
Funeral services were held Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Chatham Baptist Church with Bro. Tim Atkins officiating. Burial followed in the Chatham Cemetery under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.
Serving the family as pallbearers were Luke Lewis Richie, Greg DeFillipo, Tony Truelove and John Richie, Jr., Micah Richie, and Freddie Hightower.