RONALD “RIFF” LOUIS RIDGEL
On November 18, 2025, Tickfaw lost one of the brightest and sweetest smiles you’ve ever seen...Riff Ridgel. He was born to Buddy and Michele Ridgel on February 24, 1977.
Riff loved all sports but his special talent and love was for basketball.
You could always hear the sounds of the basketball thuds from Riff and all his friends and relatives playing on the patio. He would be outside shooting hoops until he was forced to come in. He played for Oak Forrest Academy and Independence High School. Prior to the accident he was employed with Turner Industries as a scaffold builder which he truly loved doing.
Riff spent a lot of time on the patio enjoying a cold beer with family and friends visiting throughout his life. His favorite time in life was when Tristin came for the weekend and holidays and when he was able to watch him play all his sports.
After his accident, Riff had many faithful friends who visited and brought great joy to him. One noted, co-worker/ boss and spiritual friend was Marion Martello who visited every Sunday evening and only missed coming three times in 15 years. They spent time sharing religious sermons, prayers, watching TV and catching up on old times. Riff is survived by his son, Tristin Ridgel, the light of his life and his pride and joy. He is also survived by his sister, Taffy (Glenn) Hauck; and brother, BJ Ridgel. Also surviving Riff are Jennifer Suarez, (mother of his son), and Victoria Suarez (whom he considered his daughter). He is survived by many aunts and uncles, Jerry (Becky), Danny (Marybeth), Harry (Jo Belinda), Elaine (Joey), Tammy (Eric), Timmy (Cindy), Margie and Melodie, and numerous cousins. He has two nieces, Brennan (Allissa), Jayden, and nephew, Connor, along with one great-niece, Sloane. Also Carol (Jim) Gray whom he considered and called aunt and uncle. His surviving cat, Helen Keller, who is deaf, has been wandering the house crying and howling since he was taken away.
Riff was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Louis and Mittle Ridgel; maternal grandparents, Ronald and Margery Daly.
Riff had a loyal dog, Pedro, who was dropped off in the neighborhood and went to sit by Riff’s wheelchair and never left his side until Pedro’s death.
So many people worked toward keeping Riff alive and well. Heartfelt thanks go out to Dr. C. William Gilbreath, Dr. Arvind Yertha, Dr. Jacques Peltier, Dr. Robert Kidd, Dr. Stacy Newman, Dr. Gregory Mula, Dr. Frank Henchy, Dr. Jeff Liner, Dr. Zack Liner, including North Oaks Wound Care (Allison, Blaine, and Marlena) and each of their staff members for their years of outstanding care and always treating him as a special patient.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to be made to The Riff Ridgel Crawfish Cookoff at P.O. Box 675, Natalbany, LA 70451 or on their webpage. The annual Riff Ridgel Crawfish Cookoff helped Riff and several other beneficiaries since 2015. The benefit will continue in his name and honor with funds going to assist selected local persons in need. Many other fundraising efforts like bowling, silent auctions, and yard sales also raised much needed money to meet Riff’s health care expenses. Riff was so fortunate to have so many people in his life: family, friends, and even strangers giving donations of their time and money.
Huey Dalton Stafford; 89; Denham Springs; November 14; survived by his sons, Larry (Annette), and Blaine (Tedra); sister, Yvonne Stafford Addison; sister-in-law, Judy Salassi Stafford; grandchildren, Jerica Stafford Baker (Derek), Joshua D. Stafford (Amanda), and Nathanael Stafford; great-grandchildren, Huey Leon Baker, Elaina Faith Baker, and Mya Isabelle Baker.
Hilton Joseph Hoover, Jr.; 83; Ponchatoula; November 14; survived by his loving wife, Linda Koles Ivanyisky Hoover; his sister Laurie Stevens (Ray); his nieces, Kyla Broussard (Teryan) and Lilly Stevens; his nephew, Tyler Tucker.
Patricia Sanders Dixon; 74; Greensburg; November 14; survived by her son, William “Billy” Charles Dixon, Jr.; daughter, Patty Dixon Wall (James); brother, Burt Sanders (Veronica); sisters-in-law, Crystal Watson and Carol Collins; mother-in-law, Nila Dixon; granddaughter, Caitlin Wall; great-granddaughter, Xelaya Adams; and many nieces and nephews.
Annie Christine Highsmith Baughman; 80; Tylertown; November 14; survived by sons, Darryl (Christy), Wayne (Tammy), and Brad (Jodi O’Keefe); six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; former spouse, Wayne Cheeks; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Caleb James Milton; 28; Ponchatoula; November 15; survived by his loving mother, Chasity Reno Caves; stepfather, JB Caves; father, James Milton; siblings, Alexis Gomez and Michael Milton; grandparents, Hayden and Debbie Reno, Steve and Irene Schafer, Debby Gomez, and Charles Milton Sr.; and numerous other friends and family members.
Philip Anthony Bertone, Sr.; 86; Loranger; November 15; survived by his wife Jackie Bertone; daughters, Linda Gulotta (Troy), Lisa Bertone, Paige Brune (Chris), Jennifer Bullock (Derrick); sons, Edwin Ensign (Beth), Michael Bertone (Angela) and Frankie Bertone (Debbie); 14 grandkids; three great-grandkids; siblings, Rita Maffei, Marie Gilcrease (Bruce) and Sam Bertone (Diane).
Lee Roy Traylor; 87; Hammond; November 15; survived by the love of his life, Nan Traylor, daughter & son-in-law, Marie and Pnut Kreutzer, son & daughter-in-law, Robert and RONALD “RIFF” LOUIS RIDGEL On November 18, 2025, Tickfaw lost one of the brightest and sweetest smiles you’ve ever seen...Riff Ridgel. He was born to Buddy and Michele Ridgel on February 24, 1977. Riff loved all sports but his special talent and love was for basketball. You could always hear the sounds of the basketball thuds from Riff and all his friends and relatives playing on the patio. He would be outside shooting hoops until he was forced to come in. He played for Oak Forrest Academy and Independence High School. Prior to the accident he was employed with Turner Industries as a scaffold builder which he truly loved doing. Riff spent a lot of time on the patio enjoying a cold beer with family and friends visiting throughout his life. His favorite time in life was when Tristin came for the weekend and holidays and when he was able to watch him play all his sports. After his accident, Riff had many faithful friends who visited and brought great joy to him. One noted, co-worker/ boss and spiritual friend was Marion Martello who visited every Sunday evening and only missed coming three times in 15 years. They spent time sharing religious sermons, prayers, watching TV and catching up on old times. Riff is survived by his son, Tristin Ridgel, the light of his life and his pride and joy. He is also survived by his sister, Taffy (Glenn) Hauck; and brother, BJ Ridgel. Also surviving Riff are Jennifer Suarez, (mother of his son), and Victoria Suarez (whom he considered his daughter). He is survived by many aunts and uncles, Jerry (Becky), Danny (Marybeth), Harry (Jo Belinda), Elaine (Joey), Tammy (Eric), Timmy (Cindy), Margie and Melodie, and numerous cousins. He has two nieces, Brennan (Allissa), Jayden, and nephew, Connor, along with one great-niece, Sloane. Also Carol (Jim) Gray whom he considered and called aunt and uncle. His surviving cat, Helen Keller, who is deaf, has been wandering the house crying and howling since he was taken away. Riff was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Louis and Mittle Ridgel; maternal grandparents, Ronald and Margery Daly. Riff had a loyal dog, Pedro, who was dropped off in the neighborhood and went to sit by Riff’s wheelchair and never left his side until Pedro’s death. So many people worked toward keeping Riff alive and well. Heartfelt thanks go out to Dr. C. William Gilbreath, Dr. Arvind Yertha, Dr. Jacques Peltier, Dr. Robert Kidd, Dr. Stacy Newman, Dr. Gregory Mula, Dr. Frank Henchy, Dr. Jeff Liner, Dr. Zack Liner, including North Oaks Wound Care (Allison, Blaine, and Marlena) and each of their staff members for their years of outstanding care and always treating him as a special patient. In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to be made to The Riff Ridgel Crawfish Cookoff at P.O. Box 675, Natalbany, LA 70451 or on their webpage. The annual Riff Ridgel Crawfish Cookoff helped Riff and several other beneficiaries since 2015. The benefit will continue in his name and honor with funds going to assist selected local persons in need. Many other fundraising efforts like bowling, silent auctions, and yard sales also raised much needed money to meet Riff’s health care expenses. Riff was so fortunate to have so many people in his life: family, friends, and even strangers giving donations of their time and money. Patsy Traylor, son & daughter-in-law, James “Spot” Traylor and Melissa Waddell , son & daughter-in-law, Otis and Robin Traylor; six siblings; 16 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren.
Tammy Marie Stevens Fabre; 65; Amite; November 16; survived by her husband, Joseph “Billy” Fabre; 1 daughter, Nicole “Nikki” Fabre; mother, Pauline Bellavia Stevens; 2 sisters, Tracy Simmons and Terry Stevens; 3 grandchildren, Joseph “Ricky” Fabre, Jr., Ryatt Cole and Brenston Cade.
Jack Dennis Ridgel; 73; Tickfaw; November 16; survived by his wife, Donna Ridgel; sons, Roy (April) and Jack (Emily); grandchildren, Keirstan Ridgel, MaKinley Ridgel, Brayden Ridgel, Logan Ridgel, Nathan Ridgel and Weston Ridgel; mother, Lucille Deli; siblings, Dean Ridgel, Paula Demars, and Marc Ridgel; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
Ronald “Riff” Louis Ridgel; 48; Tickfaw; November 18; survived by his son, Tristin Ridgel; his sister, Taffy (Glenn) Hauck; brother, BJ Ridgel; Jennifer Suarez, (mother of his son); Victoria Suarez (whom he considered his daughter); and many aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, and numerous cousins.
Faith Marie McGehee; 67; Walker; November 19; survived by her beloved husband, Richard McGehee; father, Glen Dykes; daughters, Jessica Comeaux (Kyle) and Erin Sicard (Gerald); sisters, Lynn Grant (Jeff) and Lisa Stoltz (Roger); five grandchildren; one niece; four nephews; one great-nephew; and numerous other family and friends.
Ornes “Coach” Creppel; 88; Robert; November 19; survived by his wife of 61 years, Sharon Mouton Creppel; daughter, Jenifer Creppel Cass (Tod); sisters, Felicia Huffman (Doug) and Ann Jones (Bob); brothers, Lanny, David, Barry (Kim), Chris, and Clinton (Paula); three sisters-in-law; two brothers-in-law; and numerous friends and relatives.
David Joseph Correira, Sr.; 61; November 19; survived by his children, David Correira, Jr. and Chelsy Persick (Jacob); and grandchildren, Ava and Blake.
Robbi Benefield Herrington; 66; Kentwood; November 20; survived by her husband, Tim Herrington; son, Garrett Herrington and his wife, Chelsea; 2 sisters, Carolyn Weaver and her husband, Frank, and Darnell Strickland and her husband, Billy.
Darrell Joseph Ozment Sr.; 95; Ponchatoula; November 20; survived by his wife of 64 years, Merle “Pud” Galatas Ozment; children, Darrell Ozment Jr. (Denise) of Nashville, TN, Wendy Ozment of Hammond, LA, and Valarie Patterson of Folsom, LA; as well as numerous grandchildren great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Gabriel Shannon Kitchen; 20; Ponchatoula; November 21; survived by his sister, Aislinn Walsh; and brother, Wyatt Kitchen.
Clayton Anthony Daigle; 73; Ponchatoula; November 23; survived by his wife Bonnie Daigle; his children, Clay Daigle (Laura Lee), Celeste Branom (Leon), Christopher Daigle (Laura Beth), Brooke Schuster (Richard), and Dallas Daigle (Macey); ten grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and siblings Sandra and Charles Wooten and Ernie and Betty Daigle.
Mildred Joyce Morse Methvin; 96; Ponchatoula; November 24; survived by her sons, Gerald Methvin, Jr. (Bonnie) and Jack Methvin (Shirley); daughters, Norma Traylor and Debbie Methvin; seven grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren, 8 great-great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter due on Decemeber 10, 2025.
Zack Elester Stewart, Sr.; 60; Roseland; November 24; survived by his wife, Melinda Stewart; his sons Zack Stewart Jr. (Karagan) and Kadin Stewart; his daughters Courtney Stewart, Christa Stewart, Victoria Herrington (Chris), Ella Stewart, and Madilynn Stewart; and his niece and nephew, Chasity and Edward Granger II.
Bobby Ray Simpson; 92; Kentwood; November 24; survived by his wife Betty Simpson; daughters, Melissa Simpson Stutzman (Buddy) and Kay Simpson; daughterin- law, Gretchen Varnado Simpson; 4 grandchildren, Brooke Speed and husband, Dan, Kayla Johnson, Micah Simpson, and Sarabeth Simpson; great-grandchildren, John and Lily Speed and Murphy and Finley Evans.
Delores Johnson Chenevert; 73; Walker; November 24; survived by Hanley “Buddy” Chenevert; daughter, Angie Chenevert Metz; former son-in-law, Aaron C. Metz; grandchildren, Amber Metz Kelly and husband Hunter Kelly, and Alyssa Metz and husband Gabriel Edmonston; sister, Patsy Johnson Wiggins; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.