Joan Ellen Navarre Richard

IOTA-It is with heavy hearts that the family of Joan Ellen Navarre Richard announces her passing on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at her home at the age of 71. A Celebration of Life will be celebrated at 2:00 pm on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at Ardoin’s Funeral Home Chapel in Iota. Burial will follow in the Iota City Cemetery with David Duhon officiating.

Joan Navarre was born on October 25, 1953, to the late Allen and Betty Boudreaux Navarre, and her life was a beautiful tribute to the love of family. Joan’s heart was always devoted to those she held dear. Family gatherings were always special occasions, graced by her delicious dishes that brought everyone together. In addition to her passion for cooking, Joan found joy in the beauty of nature, particularly in flowers. She had a knack for creating stunning floral arrangements, brightening the lives of those who received them. Joan also cherished the moments spent fishing and shrimping—activities that filled her soul with happiness of the outdoors. Her legacy is defined by the love and joy she brought into the lives of her family and friends. Joan will be dearly missed but forever remembered for her generosity, her warmth, and the countless ways she touched the hearts of those around her.

Joan will be missed by all who knew and loved her, especially her children, Charles Leckelt, Jr. and wife Mandie of Morse, Amanda Richard of Evangeline, Teresa Leckelt of Egan, and Paula Leckelt of Rayne; her brothers, Edward Navarre and wife, Kathy, Larry Navarre and wife, Delores, Mark Navarre and wife, Bonnie, all of Rayne, and Roy Navarre and wife, Faye of Crowley; her sisters, Emela Istre and Marlene Navarre, both of Crowley, and Eva Smith and husband, Todd of Jennings; fifteen grandchildren, Lacey Richard, Hailey LeJeune, Corey LeJeune, Angel Leckelt, Shannon Menard, Gracie Leckelt, Sebastian Menard, Payton Leckelt, Layton Leckelt, Nathan Leckelt, Nicole Fontenot, Chris Menard, David Fontenot, Tristen Bennett, and Kristen Bennett; fourteen great grandchildren, Hudson Simon, Jaydan May, Madelyn May, Emmett May, Ryder Stutes, Demi Kuhn, Layla Leckelt, Brentlee Latiolais, Blaiden Trahan, Azylnn Trahan, Enzley Trahan, Aven Trahan, Charlie Menard, and Rose Menard; as well as extended family and friends.

Joan is preceded in death by her husband, Johnnie Richard; her parents; sister, Patty Navarre; and granddaughter, Reagon Leckelt.

At the request of the family, a visitation will be held at Ardoin’s Funeral Home in Iota on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, from 11:00 am until time of services on Thursday, April 10, 2025.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Joan’s life and legacy. Please visit www.ardoinfuneralhomes.com to view this obituary and sign the guestbook.

Ardoin’s Funeral Home of Iota, 840 Howard Street, (337)779.3083 is in charge of arrangements.