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Mattie Elizabeth Atwood Bridges passed away at her residence in Bogalusa, surrounded by her loving family on Jan. 13, 2021, at the age of 88. She was born at 6 a.m. on the Sunday morning of June 26, 1932, to Benjamin and Annie Bell Russell Atwood.

She grew up with a love for animals, flowers, and being outside, which continued throughout her life. She had a deep love of books and reading. Her favorite stories were of fairytales, stories of the Smokey Mountains and the people of the Appalachians, and of the adventures of pioneer life from her namesake, Laura Elizabeth Ingalls Wilder. She was happiest when riding her Snapper lawn mower, shopping, and cooking for her family.

She was a very lively, independent, strong-willed, sassy little lady who was loved by all who knew her and will be missed by all who will cherish her memory.

She leaves behind her loving daughter and best friend, Debra Ann Powell, who was always by her side; her granddaughter, Jennifer Elizabeth Mitchell, who will forever be her Sunshine; her two great grandsons, Noah Alexander Mitchell and Jonah Atwood Mitchell; and her son-in-law, Jesse Beach. She is also survived by her nieces, Kathy, Kristy, and Misty Gunnell and Darlene Brown; and her sweet little dog, Sadie.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Herbert Bridges; her daughter, Vivian Lynn Beach; her parents, Benjamin and Annie Bell Atwood; and her beloved poodle, Raven.

Services celebrating her life were held at Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home on Friday, Jan. 15. Visitation began at noon and continued until the service began at 2 p.m. The Rev. Kipp Smith officiated. Interment followed at Bonnie Cemetery in Angie.

The family would like to give special thanks to St. Tammany Hospice, Nielsen’s Pharmacy, Southeast Louisiana Home Health, Dr. Garland Anderson, and their extended family at Our Lady of Angels Hospital and Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home.

Serving as pallbearers were Noah Mitchell, Jonah Mitchell, Shawn Singletary, Jerod Mitchell and Brandon Barrois.

Condolences may be shared on the Poole-Ritchie website at www.pooleritchiefuneralhome.com.