Donald Eugene Shankles
October 21, 1932 – January 21, 2026
A Celebration of Life for Donald Eugene Shankles, age 93, was held on Friday, January 30, 2026, at Grace Methodist Church in Ruston, LA. Officiating the service was Pastor Pete Mace. Interment followed in Sharon Cemetery in Dubach, LA under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Homes in Ruston, LA.
Don was born on October 21, 1932, in Hodge, LA and passed away January 21, 2026, in Ruston, LA. He was a very talented and intelligent man. As a youth he had magician shows, sang in minstrel shows, member of bow and arrow club, and was a cheerleader for his high school. He graduated from Jonesboro-Hodge High School; attended LSU his freshman year; and graduated from Louisiana Tech University in business. He loved all sports and watched with enthusiasm along with all his in-laws!
Don was in ROTC at Louisiana Tech University; became 2nd Lieutenant and joined the Air Force following graduation. While at Reece Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas he was trained as a bomber pilot. He found his way closer to home at Barksdale Air Force base where he became a Captain in the Reserve. Following honorable discharge in 1958, Don visited Sharon Baptist Church and met his future wife, Mary Lillian Scriber and they married in November of 1958.
Don’s love of horticulture, started as a young man with his dad’s Feed and Seed store business in Jonesboro, LA. This became his lifelong adventure along with many different businesses. This included he and Mary moving to California to work in packing and shipping fresh flowers to Louisiana florists. During this time, he became a father and Sherri was born. Jonesboro was attractive as his home, so back to Jonesboro to establish Don’s Potting Soil Company with his Dad. In 1965, with another daughter Donna, they returned to California and opened the flower packing and shipping business in Redwood City, California for florists, along with his Uncle Charlie.
The next several years, in California, were delightful and engaging in all respects; but it was not home. In 1973, they moved back to Louisiana to permanently own Don’s Potting Soil Company which would be relocated to Dubach, LA. The family made their home in Ruston LA. Other businesses involved mushrooms, dried bait, and forest land.
All during these years, Don and Mary were active in the local church and having special responsibilities, which was to service God and others. In Ruston, it has always been Grace Methodist Church, where they devoted time, money, love for friends, pastors and staff.
Don loved family, friends, and acquaintances. He was a true talker and joker, even when he would meet people on the street, or in restaurants, if only a few words. Don always greeted you with a smile on his face and a brightness in his eyes.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Guy and Lexie Shankles; sisters; Maxine Shankles Hughes and Joy Shankles Haile; brothers-in-law, George “Billy” Wyatt; J. Edward Hughes; George “Bub” Haile; Bobby M. Scriber; sisters-in-law, Janice T. Scriber and Shirley Shankles.
Don is survived by his wife of 67 years, Mary Lillian Scriber Shankles; daughters, Sherri L. Shankles Crawford (Doug), Ruston, LA and Donna M. Shankles Westman (Gary) Colleyville, TX; sister, Betty Jean Wyatt, Jonesboro, LA; brother, Jerry D. Shankles, Jonesboro, LA. His grandchildren, Dr. Stanley D. Crawford (Paige) Choudrant, LA; Carmen L. Crawford Johnson (Jereme) Ruston, LA; Alexa M. Crawford McGraw (Cameron) Brentwood, TN; Alex A. Westman (Cecilia) Oceanside, CA, Karley K. Westman Smith (Spencer) Benbrook, TX; brothers-in-law, George “Billy” Scriber (LouAnn) Ruston, LA; Don E. Scriber (Suzanne) Shreveport, LA; W.A. Scriber (Kathy) Lisbon, LA; Charles R. Scriber (Kathye) Ruston, LA; Glenn A. Scriber (Rachel) Ruston, LA; Larry G. Scriber (Pam) Lisbon, LA; sisters-in-law: F. Ann Lary (Ed) Ruston, LA; Debbie Scriber, Lisbon, LA: eleven great grandchildren with two on the way; numerous, extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.
Pallbearers wereDoug Crawford, Gary Westman, Ed Lary, Charles Scriber, Don Scriber, George Scriber, Glenn Scriber, Larry Scriber, and W. A. Scriber.
The family would like to thank Inetta for all her care, thoughtfulness, and concern for dad and mom over the last few months. Special thanks to the staff at The Princeton Place for their care and concern during the last few weeks Don was there.
Memorials may be made to Grace Methodist Church, 3401 N. Trenton, Ruston, LA; Sharon Baptist Church, 2769 Hwy 152, Dubach, LA 71235; or the donor’s choice.
Jerry Wayne Ayres
December 7, 1943 – January 26, 2026
Jerry Wayne Ayres, age 82, of Jonesboro, Louisiana, passed away on Monday, January 26, 2026. A hardworking and kind-hearted man, Jerry spent much of his life enjoying the simple pleasures that brought him peace. He especially loved his loyal dogs, Susie and Fido, and could often be found outdoors tending to his yard and flourishing vegetable garden. His garden was so abundant that it regularly attracted curious deer, even with an electric wire strung to protect his crops. Known for his strong work ethic and good nature, Jerry lived an honest life defined by dedication, humility, and love for the things that mattered most.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Geraldine (Walker) Ayres; and his sister, Barbara (Ayres) Sweeney and her husband, Ronald; and a host of other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Lee Roy Ayres, Sr.; mother, Allie (Davis) Ayres; brothers, Jack Ayres, Jr., Lavelle Ayres, Ray Ayres and Leslie Ayres; sisters, Geneva James, Doris Ayres, JoAnn Smudricks and Lynda Tamberilla.
Bro. David Essmeier conducted the funeral service in the Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home Chapel. Burial followed at Ebenezer Cemetery near Weston, under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.
Serving as pallbearers were Nicholas Walker, Lex Walker, Linc Walker, Lance Walker, Luke Walker, Lynn James, Jr. and Tony James.
Vanita (Fullerton) Gaines
February 4, 1946 – January 22, 2026
Vanita Jewel (Fullerton) Gaines, age 79 of Quitman, was called to her Heavenly home on Thursday, January 22, 2026. Vanita was born in Jonesboro, Louisiana on Monday, February 4, 1946 to the blessed union on C.B. and Ruby (Pierce) Fullerton. Vanita took pleasure in working with children and drove a school bus for the Jackson Parish school system. She shuttled many children in Jonesboro and also Quitman during her many years of faithful service prior to her retirement. She enjoyed spending time tending to her flower garden and loved watching her beautiful flowers grow. Vanita loved to go out to eat with her husband and family. She was always excited to try a new place to eat. She loved pelicans and elephants and had a beautiful collection showcasing her favorite animals. Vanita attended Ebenezer Baptist Church until her health would no longer allow her to. She was a sweet, loving and nurturing wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend and will be missed by all that knew her.
Those left to cherish her memory is her beloved husband, Billy Gaines; children, Terri Smith and husband John David, Stephen Lewter; step-children, Tim Gaines and wife Libby, Kent Gaines; grandchildren, Caleb Smith, Alyssa Lewter, Ashland Gaines; brother, Floyd Fullerton and wife Nancy; sister-in-law, Carole Fullerton; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Bell and Ruby Jewel (Pierce) Fullerton; siblings, Lottie Atkinson and her husband Gary, Charlie Fullerton.
The funeral service was held on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 in the chapel of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home with Bro. Chris Lee officiating. Burial followed in Beech Springs Cemetery under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.
Serving the family as pallbearers were Kent Gaines, David Treadway, Marty Folden, Jacob Hudson Robert Moore, Caleb Smith and Chuck Walpole.
Freida Sue Howell Brown
August 16, 1948 – January 22, 2026
Freida Sue Howell “MeMe” Brown, age 77, of Dodson, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 22, 2026, in Winnfield, Louisiana.
Freida was born on Monday, August 16, 1948, in Winnfield to the late Julian Franklin Howell and Rebecca Dees Howell. She was a graduate of Dodson High School and spent many years as a dedicated employee of Nichols Department Store, where she was well known and warmly regarded by customers and coworkers alike.
A woman of Baptist faith, Freida lived her life grounded in devotion to family and quiet kindness. She enjoyed traveling and exploring new places, but her greatest joy and true passion were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who were the center of her world. She also had a fondness for collecting Southwestern décor and was known for raising and caring for cats and raccoons, reflecting her gentle and nurturing spirit.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Travis Melton Brown; and her sister, Patricia Ann Jacobs.
Those left to cherish her memory include her sons, Ricky Melton Brown and Marshall DeWayne Brown; her grandchildren, Paige (Cody), Hannah (Alex), Lane, Reagan (Tyler), Jesse, and Gracie; her great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Cade, Whitley Cate, Emersyn, Blaine, Stetsyn, Briggs, Sutton, Hudson, and one on the way, Adeline; her siblings, Willie Howell, Robert Howell, Jay Howell, Mary Oliver, Jenny Vines, Gloria Harkins, and Bert Howell; along with numerous nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, January 29, 2026 in the Chapel of Southern Funeral Home. Interment followed in the Cypress Creek Cemetery.
Alfred “Al” Marquez
September 30, 1951 – January 19, 2026
Mr. Alfred Clyde “Al” Marquez of Saline passed away peacefully on Monday, January 19, 2026, at Northern Louisiana Medical Center in Ruston, at the age of 74.
Al was an outgoing, funny, and genuinely likable man whose warmth and sense of humor touched everyone he met. A devoted sports fan, he especially enjoyed watching the Tennessee Titans and the Houston Astros, as well as relaxing with a good movie. Above all else, Al treasured time spent with his grandchildren, who were the greatest joy of his life. A man of faith, he was thankful for God’s abundant grace which sustained him in both the highs and lows of life.
Alfred is survived by his wife, Peggy Marquez; daughter, Monica Leaphart (Jason); son, Michael Marquez (Sarah); brother, Larry Marquez (Candy); grandchildren, Maddy, Jack & Tripp Leaphart and Allison, Matt, Drew & Megan Marquez.
He was preceded in death by his father, Alfred Marquez; mother, Dartha (Wright) Marquez; and sister, Sharon Massicot.
A private graveside memorial service will be held at Old Saline Cemetery near Saline on Saturday, February 14, 2026 with Bro. Duane Moreno officiating. A public gathering/visitation will follow at Magnolia Baptist Church in Saline at 12:00 PM.
Honorary pallbearers include Jack Leaphart, Tripp Leaphart, Matt Marquez and Drew Marquez.