Loretta Stewart
Published 3:23 pm Tuesday, March 21, 2017
Loretta Lang Stewart — “Though she is but little, she is fierce.”
On St. Joseph’s Day, March 19, 2017, Loretta Lang Stewart entered the Kingdom of Heaven. She was born in Bogalusa, on Feb. 6, 1951. She was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Elverna “Pinkie” Lang; her brother, Bernard Lang; and very recently, her sister, Charlotte Lang Leonard.
She was a graduate of Pine High School and Sullivan Vo-Tech School of Nursing. An outstanding nurse, Loretta was most recently employed by Vital Health Services. She was also a faithful member of Annunciation Catholic Church.
She was a devoted mother, sister, and friend, and she leaves behind her daughters, Tabetha (Patrick) Ezell of Bogalusa and Nikki (Damon) Duke of Madisonville. She was adored by her grandsons, Joseph and John Robert “Jack” Ezell and Finn Duke. She is also survived by her brother, Glenn (Carolyn) Lang of Harvey; nephews, Jeff (Vickie) Lang, Blake (Suzanne) Lang, Kenny (Cayla) Lang, Tracey Crain, Kyle (Christopher) Lang, and Michael (Alaina) Keen; and nieces, Heather Toney and Michelle (Tim) Blansett. She is also survived by sisters-in-law, Mimi (Ray) Fontenot and Terry (Perry) Keen; brother-in-law, Andy Stewart; her dear friend, Danny (Jerri) Stewart; great-nieces, Katie Lang, Catelyn Blansett, Kailyn Potts, Cameron Lang, Megan Hunt, Ava Grace Rayborn, Evelyn Lang and Ana Rose Keen; and great-nephews, Carey Blansett, Seth Crain, Nathan Keen and Rayden Rayborn.
To know Loretta was to love her. She was kind, generous, sincere, and a powerhouse of energy. Her courage and strength were an inspiration to so many, but especially to her family. She was tireless in her dedication to her family, and was selfless to her last breath. She was not only a “Mama” to her daughters, but also to many others as well, including her work families. She loved being a nurse, and she gained experience in many different fields of nursing, which allowed her comforting and loving presence to help so many patients in need. Nothing intimidated Loretta, for she had true faith in God; it was the most important lesson she instilled in others. She never worried, and she was always grateful for the blessings in her life. She leaves behind a void in the lives of all those she touched.
Loretta was an incredible cook, a problem-solver, a healer, a no-holds barred “Maw Maw,” and an animal whisperer. She loved animals, and she leaves behind nine cherished and beloved cats and one dog.
Her nephews Jeff, Blake, Kenny, and Kyle Lang, Tracey Crain and Michael Keen will serve as pallbearers.
Visitation was held Tuesday, March 21 from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m., with a Rosary at 6 p.m. at Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home, and will continue Wednesday, March 22, at Annunciation Catholic Church from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m., at which time a Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Rev. Father Daniel Brouillette, whom Loretta dearly loved and admired. Interment will follow at Simmons-Lang Cemetery in Sheridan.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Annunciation Catholic School or the Magnolia Chapter of the Bogalusa Humane Society in her name.