Patricia "Patti" Kulaga Farris

Patricia Kulaga “Patti” Farris, of DeRidder, LA, passed from this life on Saturday, September 2, 2017.

A 1967 graduate of DeRidder High School, Patti attended McNeese State University and then moved on to her first job at DeRidder City Water Works. Patti was a valued member of the Pine Wood Elementary staff for 14 years and one year was honored as Beauregard Parish Secretary of the Year for her outstanding service.  As receptionist, she touched the lives of the students, faculty, staff and parents each day as she greeted them with a warm smile and sweet spirit. Patti took pride in her work and in her school as she was enthusiastic, energetic, conscientious and dedicated to the needs of all.

Patti demonstrated a high level of commitment and competency in her work where no task was too large or too small. She greeted parents and visitors with a smile, made announcement and handled phone calls with a warmth in her voice and she oversaw the Lunch Buddy programs with the Beauregard Parish Big/Brother, Big/Sister Organizations. Her positive attitude was both encouraging and motivating for all the students, faculty and staff that she interacted with on a daily basis.

Patti was an active and vital member of Ludington Baptist Church where her love and devotion to our precious Lord and Savior made a difference in the lives of the children, young people and adults alike. She was actively involved in the youth ministry acting as a sponsor on several mission trips and church camps at Dry Creek Baptist encampment. Patti served on the National Rape Crises Hot Line and was a member of the National Association for the Mentally impaired. In 2000, The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals Mental and Physical Disabilities Board was created and established with regional boards, Patti served as the first Beauregard Parish board member until 2016. She served with compassion and dedication to represent those that the program could help. She was currently involved in the Phelps Prison Ministry.

With a sparkle in her eyes and a brilliant smile, her love for everyone was clear to see. She was a devoted wife, mother, granny, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend to all.

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, D.C. Farris of DeRidder, LA sons, Chad and Jill Farris of Lumberton, TX, Scott and Tonya Farris of Rosepine, La, Cade and Rhonda Farris of DeRidder, LA, and Dennis and Ashley Farris of Merryville, LA; brothers, Joey Kulaga and Margie, Mike Kulaga and Carla , David Kulaga and Henry Kulaga and Kathy; sisters, Rose Mary Kulaga, Libby Cline and Donnie, Beverly Keel and Dale , Jolynn Kulaga and Lanie Laughlin and Gerald; grandchildren, Karlee and Jordan Richard, Kaylee Farris, Cannon Farris, Haylie Penney, Taylor Farris, Raylen Farris, Amber Hardwick, Daven Hardwick, Maddie Farris, Hunter Watters, Judd Farris, Demi Farris and Aubree Watters; great grandchildren, Shaelee Hardwick and Vivian Hardwick.

Preceding her in death are her father, Joseph Kulaga; mother, Helen Kulaga; and brother, Eugene Kulaga.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 5, 2017, from 5:00 - 9:00 PM at Myers Colonial Funeral Home in DeRidder, LA. Visitation will continue at 9:00 AM at Ludington Baptist Church in DeRidder, LA on Wednesday, September 6, 2017 until the time of Service at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow at Cooper Cemetery in Merryville, LA. Officiating will be Bro. Marty Romero and Bro. Frank Hensley. Pallbearers will be Chad Farris, Scott Farris, Cade Farris, Dennis Farris, Jason Cline, Kevin Cline, Dakota  Cline and Michael Kulaga. Honorary Pallbearers are Daven Hardwick, Hunter Watters, Judd Farris and Cannon Farris.

The family requests in lieu of flowers donations be made to Ludington Baptist Children and Youth Fund.