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Wilda F. Stuart, a longtime resident of Bogalusa, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2020, at the age of 97.

Born June 4, 1922, to Arvel and Oda Irene Spiers, Wilda survived but her twin Wilton did not. At two pounds, she had a rough start to a good life. Because of her tiny beginning she was affectionately known to many as “Tot.” Despite such a small beginning, she made a big impact on those around her. She was smart, energetic and had a great capacity for love. On Dec. 21, 1946, she married her lifelong partner Ray and gave birth to three children. Her love for her family was second only to her love for God. She never missed an opportunity to share the news of that love with everyone she met. While she will always be loved for her sweet demeanor, it cannot be overlooked that everyone will also remember those sweet cakes that she also shared with everyone she met.

She is survived by her daughter, Kim (Mike) Venier of Bogalusa; her son, Charles “Chuck” (Kathy) Stuart of Gallatin, Tenn.; her grandchildren, Jessica Fairburn, Crissy Venier, Alec Venier, Erin Morris, Angie Brandon, Bryan Moore and Diana Moore; 10 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas “Ray” Stuart; son, Terry Stuart; and one granddaughter, Tiffani McKenzie.

Services celebrating her life will be held on Monday, Jan. 6, at Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home & Crematory in Bogalusa. Visitation will begin 11 a.m. and continue until the service begins at 2 p.m. Interment will follow at Pounds Cemetery.

To view and sign the register book, visit online at www.pooleritchiefuneralhome.com.