Diane Smith

Diane Smith, 82, of Bossier City, Louisiana, arrived at her heavenly home on Monday, April 28, 2025 with her loving husband, Ray by her side. With a spirit as vibrant as her favorite color purple and a soul as steady as the mountains she adored, Diane lived a life filled with joy, purpose, and unwavering faith.

Born March 4, 1943, to parents Dewey and Marguerette Ricord in Shreveport, Louisiana, Diane was raised with strong values, a sense of adventure, and a profound love for family. Those qualities stayed with her throughout her life and became the foundation of the woman so many came to admire. A true people person, Diane never met a stranger and always made a friend wherever she went. Her warmth and humor drew people in and kept them close.

Diane had many loves in her life—Elvis Presley, Yorkies, her 1966 Mustang—but her greatest love of all was her husband, Ray. Their bond was strong, rooted in deep affection and a sense of adventure that all started with a shared vision for a remodeled kitchen. They built a life filled with laughter, love and household improvements.

Diane was never one to sit still for long, an adventurous traveler, Diane visited 14 states during the first year of her and Ray’s marriage, igniting a lifelong passion for seeing the world. Over the years, she cruised the oceans, explored the highways, and even journeyed to Germany and Austria with James and Denise on a European vacation. Whether she was riding through 48 states on a motorcycle with Ray, lacing up her bowling shoes for league night, or line dancing with friends late into the evening, Diane embraced life with energy and grace.

Diane was also a devoted woman of faith. For over 50 years, she taught Sunday School at Bellaire Baptist Church, nurturing the hearts and minds of countless individuals. She also generously gave her time to her community, including volunteering at the historic Strand Theater in Shreveport.

Diane is preceded in death by her parents; Dewey and Marguerette Ricord and her brother; Lewell Ricord.

Left to cherish her memory is her loving husband of 33 years Ray Smith, son; James Knotts (Denise), daughters; Suzanne Tomlinson (Kevin) and Misty Bruno (Greg), brother; Sam Ricord, sister; Kathy Cox, 4 grandchildren; Cassie Satterfield, Ashley Bruno, Cody Knotts (Kelli) and Jessica Stevens (Trevor) and 7 Great-Grandchildren.

Diane also had a close-knit group of friends who brought her immense joy. Her family would like to honor these friendships particularly; Betty Dark, Notra Odoms, and Beth Thompson, Joan Herring and Priscilla McGee as well as childhood friend; Bobby Mora.

The family would like to offer a special thanks to the dedicated nurses, Val and Margrete, at Willis Knighton Critical Care - Pierremont, as well as the entire Bellaire Baptist Church family for their unwavering support during this time.

A memorial service for Diane is scheduled for Saturday, May 3, 2025,1pm at Bellaire Baptist Church, 1210 Bellaire Blvd. Bossier City, Louisiana 71112 with Dr. Randy Harper officiating.

In lieu of flowers, Diane's family asks that donations be made in her name to Bellaire Baptist Church.