Billie Merle Rion Hoffpauir, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and faithful servant of the Lord, was born in Reeves, Louisiana, on September 4, 1936, and entered Heaven's gates on October 15, 2026.

Billie Merle graduated from Reeves High School in 1954. The following year, in 1955, she married the love of her life, Mitchell Ladd Hoffpauir. Together, they shared 56 wonderful years of marriage, building a life centered around love, family, and faith.

Their marriage was blessed with four daughters: Ramona Hoffpauir Strachan (Andy), Renee' Hoffpauir Klann (David), Kamela Hoffpauir Kingrey (Charles), and Kimberly Hoffpauir Monceaux (Dave). Her family continued to grow to include ten grandchildren-Heather, Hope, Ryan, Lane, Jonathan, Jeremy, Haley, Kourtney, Lindsey, and Lexey-and 22 great-grandchildren, all of whom were a treasured part of her legacy.

Those who knew Billie Merle knew of her love for basketball. Throughout her life, she traveled many miles to watch games, creating countless memories along the way. Her dedication to the game was just one of the many things that made her so special to those who knew and loved her.

Above all, Billie Merle will be remembered for her deep and unwavering love for her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She cherished attending church services and church singings, finding joy and comfort in worship and fellowship. Her faith was not simply something she lived by; it was a legacy she lovingly passed down to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, teaching them the importance of honoring the Lord and living a life rooted in faith. The lessons she shared and the example she set will continue to live on through the generations of her family.

Billie Merle is survived by her three daughters, Renee' Hoffpauir Klann (David), Kamela Hoffpauir Kingrey (Charles), and Kimberly Hoffpauir Monceaux (Dave); ten grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; one sister, Beverly Rion Baker; one brother, Roger Rion; and one sister-in-law, JoAnne Rion.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Mitchell Ladd Hoffpauir; her daughter, Ramona Hoffpauir Strachan; her son-in-law, Andy Strachan; her great-grandchild, Jaxon Luke Monceaux; her parents, Dempsey and Murle Johnson Rion; one sister, Betty Rion Cooley; and one brother, D.C. Rion, Jr.

Though her family will deeply miss her presence, the faith she shared, the love she gave, and the memories she created will forever remain in the hearts of those she leaves behind. Her life was a testament to the enduring power of faith, family, and love, and her legacy will continue through the generations who were blessed to call her Mom, Grandma, and Great Grandma.

Family will receive friends from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m., Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Riley Smith & Sons Reeves Chapel, and continuing from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, October 18, 2026, at Ethel Green Chapel at Camp Pearl, Reeves, Louisiana. Rev. Sam Burchard and Rev. Don Barrett will be officiating. Interment to follow at Creel Cemetery, Reeves, Louisiana.