Sandra Lynn "Sandy" Leonard

Sandra Lynn Rambin Leonard, known to everyone as "Sandy", passed from this earth to her heavenly home at the age of 78 on September 12, 2025, surrounded in love and prayers.

Sandy was born on January 27, 1947, in Shreveport to Joseph McWhney "Shorty" Rambin and Wanda Raye Barnard Rambin. She grew up in Red River Parish, where she graduated from Coushatta High School in 1965, after marrying her high school sweetheart, Jerry Wayne Leonard, in 1964. Together they built a beautiful life filled with faith, love, and laughter.

Sandy was a devoted mother, grandmother (known lovingly as "Mamie"), and friend. She worked to make sure everyone around her was taken care of. Although Sandy believed her most important job was taking care of her family, she also worked for many years at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home as the secretary/receptionist, where her kindness and warm smile welcomed those who came in. Sandy also worked with her friend Brenda Penny at her clothing store in Coushatta, and in Natchitoches at the university and at the hospital. When not working, Sandy enjoyed cooking and hosting family dinners, creating beautiful wreaths, gardening, and making beautifully detailed Christmas ornaments, but most importantly, she loved being with those who loved her. She delighted in teaching her granddaughters how to make her cornbread dressing, which they did together every Thanksgiving.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her son-in-law, Scott Tucker of Quitman; and her sisters, Maxine Rambin Bankston of Opelousas and June Rambin Thornton of Lafayette.

Sandy is survived by her beloved husband, Jerry; their daughters, Margaret Leonard of Coushatta, Marie Leonard Tucker of Quitman, and Susan Knotts of Ringgold; her grandsons, Justin Dupree (Maryse) and Austin Knotts of Martin; her granddaughters, Cassie Tucker and Cara Tucker of Quitman; four great-grandchildren; and her two dogs, Jelly and Kenai, who brought great joy to her life each day. She also leaves behind two very special brothers-in-law and their wives, Glenn and Linda Leonard of Lenoir City, TN, and Cecil and Jean Leonard of Collins, LA, as well as her nieces, Vicki Thornton Lyons (Chester), Becky Thornton Begnaud (Bunny Angers), and Connie Thornton Privat of Lafayette; nephews, Dennis Benoit (Alma) of Richardson, TX, Brian Leonard (Donna) of Beaverton, Oregon, and Adam Leonard (Lydia) of Flippin, AR; as well as a host of cousins and dear friends.

A celebration of Sandy's life will be held on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the Chapel at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home in Coushatta, with burial to follow at Martin Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with the family on Wednesday afternoon from 1:00-2:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be Justin Dupree, Cecil Leonard, Glenn Leonard, Richard Dupree, John Perkins, and Rick Guillot. Honorary pallbearers will be Kyle Towns, Dennis Benoit, Chester Lyons, Jimmy Standley, Jessie Davis, Wiley Rooks, and Tommy Glen Jones.

Sandy's family is comforted knowing that she is with her Lord and Savior and that she is rejoicing with no pain or suffering. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the church or charity of your choice.