Della Mae Cassell

(1919-2016)

“Her children arise and call her blessed” (Proverbs 31:28). Della Mae Meek Cassell went to be with the Lord on September 21, 2016, after ninety-seven wonderful years of love and laughter.

Della was born February 6, 1919, in Pollock, Louisiana, to Henry and Frankie Meek. She met her love, Cecil Cassell, while in grade school. They were married in Lake Charles on August 19, 1939, and reared four children during their fifty-eight years together. She attended McNeese State University, where she earned her degree in education, and taught at T.S. Cooley Elementary School for twenty years. Della was a member of St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church for many years, and when she could no longer attend, looked forward to her visits from Father Cook.

Della was a sweet spirit who had unconditional love for her family, especially for her many grandchildren. She was always ready with a smile, a hug, and a plate of biscuits and rice and gravy. She loved reading and writing poetry, music, game shows, and was an avid Houston Astros and New Orleans Saints fan. Despite the heartache of losing her husband and two children during her lifetime, Della always chose to remain optimistic and focus on the gifts the Lord had given her, choosing to live simply, with an incredible sense of inner peace and contentment.

Those left to cherish her memory are her daughters Connie Jones of Lake Charles, Linda Moran of Ville Platte, son-in-law Gerald Ruley of Dallas, as well as fourteen grandchildren, who will miss their Maw Maw greatly: Gene Ruley, Joan Ruley Waelter, Jill Ruley Schurr, Jennifer Ruley, Joanna Ruley Garza, Jan Ruley, Joy Ruley Laukoter, Melissa Monticello Stutes, Christine Monticello Ash, Stephanie Montice llo Easterling, Joel Monticello, Doug Cassell, George Jones Jr., and Leigh Erin Jones Lundy. Della’s twenty-five great-grandchildren were also blessed to have her in their lives.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Meek; her husband, Cecil F. Cassell; daughter Margie Yvonne Cassell Ruley; son, Cecil Douglas Cassell; son-in-law George Jones; daughter-in-law, Joan Cassell; one sister, Bernice Cassell; and two brothers, Wesley and Leon Meek. The family would like to thank Dr. Gerry Hebert and the nurses and staff of Grand Cove and Brighton Hospice for the loving care given to our mother. Thank you also to Charlie McBride for always showing neighborly love to Della.

Funeral services will be held at Hixson Funeral Home of Lake Charles at 2:00pm in the afternoon Sunday, September 25, 2016, with Father Cook officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday, September 24, 2016 from 5:00-7:00pm and will resume on Sunday at 1:00pm until the time of the service. She will be buried at Highland Cemetery following the services. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com.