Funeral services for Dovie Deryle Dupree Rikard, 87, of Natchitoches, will be held Saturday, Dec. 12 at 10 a.m. at the Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home. Officiating will be Bro. Perry Anderson assisted by Reverend Frances Hooten. Interment will follow in Couley Methodist Cemetery on Highway 84 between Clarence and Winnfield. Visitation will be Friday, Dec. 11 from 5-8 p.m. at Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches. Rikard died peacefully Dec. 6, 2015 with her two loving daughters and sister by her side. She was born in February, 1928 in Martin. She was an active member of Couley United Methodist Church. Rikard was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Jesse Benjamin Rikard, her parents Alvah and Lillias Dupree and one sister, Gloria Anderson. Left to cherish her memory is her daughters, Bennie Deryle Rikard Harsell and Deborah Lyne Rikard Gay, both of Natchitoches. She also leaves behind five grandchildren, Scott Dugas and wife Jennifer, of Natchitoches, Bobby Harsell Jr. of Portland, Or., Larie Cappadonna of Magnolia, Texas, Robert Lane Gay of Natchitoches, and Leslie Rose and husband Bren of Kansas City, Mo.. She will be greatly missed by the ones who brought her the greatest joy; her eight great-grandchildren: Morgan Dugas, Madelyne, Mia and Mercie Cappadonna; Sibley and Shelby Rose; and Austin and Alayna Dees. She is also survived by a sister, Beth Dupree and husband, Steve Meyer of Orange, Texas. Rikard retired from teaching after over 20 years serving in a number of schools in the area. She was greatly loved by all her students and colleagues, many who stayed in touch for many years. There will be a great void left in the lives of her family and friends for Rikard was faithful to send cards in celebration of birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, births, and many other special occasions. She was known for her signature motto, “In God We Trust,” which she wrote on the back of every single envelope. Upon retirement, Rikard served as a Pink Lady at the Natchitoches Parish Hospital. Pallbearers will be Scott Dugas, Matt Cappadonna, Robert Lane Gay, Bren Rose, David Lowdermilk, and Morgan Dugas. Honorary pallbearers will be Bobby Harsell Jr. Archie Anderson, Daniel Anderson, Joe Vann, Jerald Smith, Earl Dugas, James Lowdermilk, Colvin Garrett and Barry Bernard. In lieu of flowers; memorials may be made to the Couley Methodist Cemetery, located at 138 Lateral Lane Natchitoches, La. 71457