Ruth Amelia Lafoe

It is with the heaviest hearts that we announce the passing of the Lafoe family matriarch, Ruth Amelia Lafoe (Lalonde) on February 24, 2026. She left her earthly body surrounded by her loving family at her home in Leesville, Louisiana. With quiet strength, she lived an honorable and simple life - and she left this world the same way, with grace.

Ruth was born on April 6, 1937, in Watertown, New York, to Leo and Amelia LaLonde. As a young woman, she met her soulmate - her forever love and protector - a career soldier, Louis L. Lafoe, Sr. They were married on February 2, 1955, in her hometown. Bravely, she took his hand and left all she had ever known, including her beloved sister and best friend, Leona. Together, they began their journey as a military family.

Their travels first took them to Alaska, where she welcomed her two oldest children, Harold and Sheri. Orders soon followed for Massachusetts, where LouAnn was born. With three babies in tow, Ruth boarded a plane and dutifully built a home in Stuttgart, Germany, where their second son, Louis L. Lafoe, Jr., was born. After completing their years of military service at Fort Polk, they settled in Leesville, Louisiana, where their final two daughters, Andrea and Bonnie, completed their family. Ruth had a special way with children - a necessity, having raised six children in ten years. She would often smile as she recalled having three in diapers and two on bottles all at once.

The epitome of a lady, Ruth was classy and patient, taking pride in her appearance and carrying herself with dignity. She enjoyed coordinating her clothing, makeup, and jewelry, believing she was a reflection of her family. Though always proper, she possessed a wicked wit and loved a good time. She could cut a rug and danced beautifully - especially when led by Lou - and even in her later years, she would joke that she was going to jitterbug across the floor.

Ruth devoted herself to raising her family, keeping her home, and supporting her husband with unwavering pride and humor. The most devoted of wives, she stood faithfully behind Lou as he built both a military and entrepreneurial career. She supported their many ventures, including LLL Trucking, a true family business employing their sons and several sons-in-law. Lou was often deployed, but he did so with peace of mind knowing Ruth was steady at the helm. Many in the community fondly remember her serving customers at their restaurant, "The Wampus Cat" drive-in.

While she enjoyed the occasional casino trip or outings with her daughters to visit Ms. Susan and the ladies at the beauty shop, Ruth was happiest at home. She often said her house wasn't perfect - it was "lived in" - and it stood as a warm, welcoming beacon to family and friends. She collected Dutch blue décor, delicate birds, and flowers - especially tulips - and she nearly always had a beloved pup at her feet, most recently her pretty Penny. More than anything, Ruth collected family. She treasured being surrounded by those she loved. Everyone who met her adored her gentle, generous, and nurturing spirit. Many would jokingly claim they were her "favorite," and with a twinkle in her sparkling blue eyes, she would assure each one that they most certainly were.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Leo and Amelia LaLonde; her loving husband, Louis L. Lafoe, Sr.; her brother, Earl LaLonde; her sisters, June Hare, Leona Primmer, and Evelyn Layton; her son, Harold L. Lafoe; her daughter, Andrea Lafoe Reibold; her grandson, David Sanders; and her great-grandsons, Taesen Guillory and Justin Lafoe.

She is survived by her brothers, Leo "Butch" LaLonde and Steve (Doreen) LaLonde; her children, Sheri (Bobby) Sinclair, LouAnn (Roger) Sanders, Louis (Terri) Lafoe, Jr., and Bonnie (Darlene) Guillory; her grandchildren, Erica "Ruthie," Nancy, Christine, Jennifer, Brandon, Stephanie, Charles Louis, Ashley, Sarah, Logan, Misty, Charlie Jay, Emily, Greg Wayne, Ethan, and Kamren; as well as 41 great and great-great-grandchildren and a host of extended family and dear loved ones.

Charles Louis Droddy, Greg Wayne Guillory, Ethan Aliday Guillory, Kamren Lee Guillory, Ryan Paul Lafoe, and Tyler James Roshong have the honor of serving as pallbearers.

Visitation will be held at Labby Memorial Funeral Home on Sunday, March 1, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Monday, March 2, from 8:00 a.m. until noon, with services beginning at 12:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Central Louisiana Veterans Cemetery at Fort Polk.