Laura Lee Richey Baukman Hunt

Laura Lee Richey Baukman Hunt, 86, of Ragley, Louisiana, and the last surviving member of her generational family, passed away on Friday, June 14, 2013 at 9:20 in the morning in Lafayette, Louisiana, surrounded by her family.

She was born August 19, 1926, to Daniel Wesley Richey and Theodocia Josephine (Hodges) Richey on a farm in Ragley, Louisiana, the fourth youngest of twelve siblings. Laura graduated from Ragley High School in 1942, and later received a B.A. Degree in Elementary Education from McNeese State College. Laura married the late George Baukman Jr. in 1946. Together, they had four children. In 1973, she married Walter E. Hunt of Lake Charles, who passed away in 1986.

Laura taught elementary school for the Calcasieu Parish School Board until her retirement in 1991. Laura's retirement years were spent on the family homestead. Her days were filled with growing vegetables and flowers in her garden. Her love was showered on her children and grandchildren, and later, great-grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews. She loved the Lord and instilled that love in her children. Many a day she could be heard playing the piano and singing hymns of praise and worship, always gathering a crowd to sing along. Having grown up during the depression, she developed a strong work ethic that she instilled in her children encouraging them to always work hard doing the very best jobs possible. Her motto for aging was "Don't Stop Moving!"

She was preceded in death by her parents Daniel Wesley and Theodocia Josephine (Hodges) Richey; Husbands George Baukman Jr., and Walter E. Hunt; eleven siblings, Forrest (Buck) Richey, Winston Richey, Mildred Richey Joffrion, Verne Richey, Wesley Richey, Theodocia Richey, Noyes Richey, Carmel Richey Estaville, Gladys Richey, Nyla Rose Richey Foreman, and Wava Joy Richey Reigel.

Laura is survived by her four children, Barbara Thay Baukman Cordes (Carroll) of Lafayette, Louisiana, Laura Dawn Baukman Marx (Douglas) of Mountain Home, Arkansas, Katherine Elizabeth Baukman Smith (Douglas) of Nachez, Mississippi, and George Baukman III of Shreveport, Louisiana. She is survived by eight grandchildren, Douglas Marx Jr. (Sarah), Jacob Marx (Carly), Sam Marx, Jonathan Marx, Philip Smith (Jennifer), Aaron Smith (Sarah), Lauren Smith and Gracie Baukman. She is also survived by six beautiful great grandchildren, Eli Marx, Sawyer Marx, Evie Marx, Nilu Marx, Eden Jane Smith and Leighton Miles Smith. She is also survived by numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be George Baukman III, Douglas Marx Jr., Jacob Marx, Sam Marx, Philip Smith, Eli Marx, Aaron Smith and Jonathan Marx. Words of comfort may be expressed with the family at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com.