Dellia “Katie” Ladner, age 63, of Saucier, Mississippi, passed away at her home on February 17, 2026.

Katie was born on May 19, 1962, in Gulfport, Mississippi, to Catherine and Talmon Ladner. From an early age, she carried a deep curiosity about the world and a joy for living that never left her. She pursued that curiosity at the University of Southern Mississippi, where she studied horticulture and began a lifelong love of cultivating beauty– both in the earth and in the lives of those around her. While at university she leapt at every opportunity for travel; this unyielding spirit for exploration and adventure was something she nurtured in those she loved.

Gardening was her true passion. She spent countless hours tending her garden, nurturing seeds into vibrant flowers and fruits. But Katie’s gifts extended far beyond the soil. She planted compassion, empathy, and kindness wherever she went. She grew experiences, as well as two fearless daughters. Katie was the type of mother who would load her children in the car and drive them across the country, simply so they could see it. To her, the world was meant to be explored and she made sure her children knew it firsthand. An avid reader, Katie believed there was always more to learn and to see. If not by car, then by book. She kept stacks of books close at hand, filling her children’s lives with stories and ensuring their curiosity knew no bounds. Her passions for gardening, food, travel, and above all, family, shaped a life rich with connection and care.

Katie is a treasured mother and cherished sister who was survived by her two daughters, Alexandra and Samantha Ladner; her sisters, Lois Couture (Rodney Couture) and Ruth Armstrong (Mike Fazzio); Archie Ladner; and many other beloved nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind the many chosen children that she embraced and loved as her own. She is preceded in death by her mother Catherine Ladner; her father Talmon Ladner; and her three brothers, Billy Ladner, Archie Ladner, and Charles Edward Ladner.

Those who knew Katie knew her as a place of refuge– she was a steady, generous presence whose love and laughter made others feel safe and seen. She embodied goodness in a way that felt rare. Her memory will continue to bloom in all who were fortunate enough to know her, and in those who strive to keep her spirit alive and free throughout the world she leaves behind. In keeping with her wishes, there will be no formal funeral service held. Katie was life itself, and she wished to be remembered in that way– through the gardens she grew, the miles she traveled, the meals she shared, and the love she gave so freely.