Madeline Ileta Watts, 83, of Pride, Louisiana, passed away on March 8, 2026, at 6:15 a.m. Born August 20, 1942, Ileta will be remembered as a loving, devoted presence in the lives of all who knew her.
Ileta was a bus driver in Central, Louisiana for 35 years, serving generations with steady care and a dependable spirit. She also enjoyed racing motorcycles in Chipola, Louisiana, a reflection of her adventurous nature. An avid traveler, she and her husband embraced the joy of seeing new places and making lasting memories along the way many times taking along their grandson.
A huge LSU Woman’s basketball fan, Ileta held season tickets for nearly 30 years and followed the team with faithful enthusiasm. She loved to fish in Darlings Creek and treasured time outdoors. Above all, she loved spending time with her grandkids, finding her greatest happiness in family moments, laughter, and togetherness.
Ileta was a longtime member of Wesley Chapel Methodist Church, where her commitment and fellowship were a meaningful part of her life. The family would like to offer special thanks to Dr. Rebecca Whiddon at the NeuroMedical Center of Baton Rouge and to Nurse, Lauren and CNA, Martina of The Hospice of Baton Rouge for the care given to Mrs. Watts.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Carroll "Sonny" Watts; her brother, Milam Venable; her father, Floyd Venable; and her mother, Virginia Venable.
She is survived by her daughter, Beverly Patin; son-in-law, Alan Patin; son, Doug Watts; daughter-in-law, Catherine Oster; grandson, Blake Patin; granddaughter, Carolyn Watts; and great granddaughter, Claire Patin.
Visitation will be held at Central Funeral Home, 9995 Hooper Rd, Central, LA 70818, on March 12, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Visitation will also be held at Wesley Chapel Methodist Church, 80 Tennessee Jackson Lane, Greensburg, LA 70441, on March 13, 2026, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Funeral services will follow at Wesley Chapel Methodist Church on March 13, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. Burial will take place at Wesley Chapel Methodist Church Cemetery, 80 Tennessee Jackson Lane, Greensburg, LA 70441, on March 13, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm. A reception will follow on March 13, 2026, beginning at 2:30 pm.
Pallbearers will be Doug Watts, Blake Patin, Jay Venable, Joe Venable, Michael Armstrong, and Terry Lumpkin.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be mailed to Wesley Chapel Methodist Church or Wesley Chapel Cemetery at 14109 Hwy 10, Greensburg, LA 70441.
