Stella Layvonne Ladner

Stella LayVonne Ladner, 83 of Kiln, passed away Saturday, February 5th at Slidell Memorial Hospital. She was born October 24, 1938 in Hancock County, the third of six children to Harbert and Mary Opal (Lee) Lee. Stella met the love of her life, Kermit Ladner, in 8th grade while playing basketball. Though it only started out with a lot of "front porch sittin’ in the dark", it turned into formal courting the following summer. After 63 years of marriage, they were still stuck like glue, raising a beautiful family; nieces and nephews, grands, and great grands. She loved spending time with and spoiling her grandbabies, making a lot of memories no matter the mess. From cooking her famous gumbo for the family dinners every Tuesday in the summers, to teaching her grandbabies how to make biscuits and more, she was a homemaker through and through. Stella enjoyed being outside, spending time on the farm, fishing, camping, and would be out traveling every weekend if she could. The "girls trips" every year were truly special to her and all involved. Stella was a Christian by faith and member of Shiloh Baptist Church in Necaise Crossing, where she served as treasurer and pianist for over forty years. Both her and Kermit were instrumental in the formation of the church's food pantry ministry, and worked it regularly since it's inception. A loving wife, mother, grandmother, and trusted friend, she will be dearly remembered and sadly missed by all whose life she touched. Left to cherish her memories are: her loving husband of almost sixty-three years, Kermit Ladner; their children, son Duon (Carol) Ladner of White Cypress, and daughters Sherie (John) Bissell of Diamondhead, Lucinda (Greg) Martrain of Denham Springs, LA, and Mimi Ladner of White Cypress. She leaves a legacy of nine grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Stella was preceded by her parents, Harbert and Mary Lee, and one granddaughter, Ariel Bissell. A celebration of Stella's life is set for Sunday afternoon at Shiloh Baptist Church, beginning at 1:00 PM, with fellowship to follow. In lieu of floral arrangements, the family asks everyone to consider making a donation to Shiloh's food pantry ministry in her honor. Trinity Funeral Services is honored to serve the Ladner family in their time of need and asks everyone to keep them in your thoughts and prayers over the coming days.